Long kept in the shadows, + Ou – 8000 is a rare gem of the French musical avant-garde, born from the meeting of three composers at the peak of their inventiveness. Initially intended as sound illustration, this album crosses the boundaries of library music, space jazz, and electronic experimentation, with a freedom and boldness that today give it cult status. Teddy Lasry, an iconic figure from the Magma universe, has always moved between jazz, progressive rock, and electronic music. A saxophonist by training, he explores here synthetic and spatial territories with striking modernity. His contributions to + ou - 8000 showcase his ability to transcend conventional instrumental boundaries, crafting soundscapes that feel both cosmically expansive and intimately focused.
Francis Mercier, discreet yet remarkably effective, is a sound craftsman who left his mark on many library music records in the 1970s. Here he delivers precise rhythmic textures, tense atmospheres, and a minimalist groove mastery that anchors the album's more experimental flights. His work represents the sophisticated underground of French production music at its most adventurous.
Christian Perraudin, a chameleon composer bridging academic music and film scoring, brings his cinematic touch—floating melancholy and sci-fi tension. A true artisan of sonic ambiance, his contributions elevate the album's narrative dimension, creating spaces that feel simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic.
Together, this trio created something that defies easy categorization. + ou - 8000 operates in the liminal space between functional music and pure artistic expression, where library music's utilitarian origins meet the limitless possibilities of electronic experimentation. The album captures a moment when French composers were pushing the boundaries of what soundtrack and production music could be, resulting in works that stand as art in their own right. Boldly visionary, + Ou - 8000 is an invitation to active listening, a journey into the heart of a fascinating sound laboratory. Each track reveals new layers upon repeated exposure, revealing the meticulous craft behind what initially appears as spontaneous creation. This is music that rewards patience and attention, offering glimpses into a creative process unbound by commercial constraints.
This unprecedented vinyl reissue by Vinymatic Records is a unique opportunity to (re)discover a crucial record that remained out of reach for far too long. Limited edition – for lovers of rarities, analog synths, and genre-defying musical exploration.
