Catherine Ribeiro & Alpes-Paix (1972)

Catherine Ribeiro & Alpes were one of the most original bands of the French underground scene of the 1970s. Their style was always difficult to define; they incorporated elements of folk, experimentation, psychedelia, and progressive sounds. Led by guitarist Patrice Moullet and singer Catherine Ribeiro, the band also included organist Patrice Lemoine, bassist Jean-Sebastian Lemoine, and percussionist Michel Santangelli. In 1972, they released their fourth album, "Paix", on the Philips label. With its two long suites, it is considered their most progressive work and their masterpiece. These two suites, "Paix", showcase the typical sound of German krautrock, characterized by spacious keyboards, acid, hypnotic, and dark sounds, and the overall unsettling atmosphere. On the other hand, "Un Jour...la Mort" showcases a more intense sound, with thick layers of keyboards, soaring guitar passages, and pulsating percussion. During the following years, this French band continued to release albums regularly until 1980, when they released their final work, before disbanding for good shortly thereafter.