Zen – Suda Balik (1994)

(Review from kunstradio.at, psychevanhetfolk.homestead.com)

Formed in the second half of the 80s in Istanbul, the band took the name ZeN in 1988 (meaning “woman” in Persian, as well as standing for “the one who plays” -a musical instrument- when used as a suffix). The band played their own blues and punk based songs until 1989. In time they widened the improvised section and eventually giving up their compositions, turned to complete collective improvisations.

Zen’s first official album, recorded in 1994, shows the group playing in an experimental way. Various tracks reminds at krautrock like moods like Faust. It’s very dark, dense, deranged mostly acoustic music with cloudy woolly structures. Near the second half of the album, the music delves into too much an underground improvising, in a way Amon Düül or Can did as well in their early days. Yet it is much more acoustic and has a certain middle eastern touch in experimental improvising.

Line-up:
- Merih Oztaylan / Vocals, sampler
- Levent Akman / Rhythm machines, hand cymbals, percussion
- Bill Macbeath / Double bass, bass guitar
- Murat Ertel / Saz, guitar, vocals
- Emre Onel / Darbuka, sampler, percussions
- Cevdet Erek / Drums

Track List:
01. Cok Su Ictim – 1:18
02. Suda Balik – 3:55
03. Aman Dur Bekle – 3:31
04. Seslen Bana – 3:51
05. Ses Nefes – 2:59
06. Inkilap Vapuru – 6:15
07. Caktir – 8:22
08. Karsilama – 3:40
09. Acikli Ama Aldatici – 4:18
10. Plaj Havasi – 4:06
11. Dadidi – 3:57
12. Yali Ciftetellisi – 4:36
13. Bu Yol Hic Bitmeyecek – 7:06
14. Hidden Track – 3:25

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