Orifginally released on the legendary Cobra label (best-known for some legendary French electronic based acts: Heldon, Hydravion and Lard Free, Urban Sax and the Magma spin-offf Weidorje). Roland Bocquet who created this album has been the keyboard player for the French rock band Catharsis from the late 1960s to 1977. "Paradia" is his first solo album and there were more to come. “Paradia” is a mostly instrumental record with a very lightweight expression. Melodies and rhythms are quite gentle but sometimes take the one or another dramatic twist and turn. Bocquet mixes samba, flamenco, European folk and classics, chanson and dreamy space pop to achieve a music actually easy to access but with a long – lasting effect on the listener. I recall US composer and synthesizer pioneer Mort Garson whose 70s albums also had this light footed approach and caused a feeling of relief with the listener. Bocquet has a good hand in writing harmonies that feel familiar albeit fresh and exciting. One of his greatest talents. The movie playing in my head while listening to “Paradia” is a sheer explosion of light colors. I suppose Latin music fans and lovers of rather fluffy electronics from the late 1970s will be the main target group for this album but also friends of obscure movie soundtracks from bands like Goblin shall lend an ear or two to “Paradia”, for there are a few tunes with a rather mysterious atmosphere. You can only sit and listen and make your mind wander through the beautiful landscapes of sound and return to your reality enriched and enlightened. Grab your copy before it's too late.