Released
1998

Label
Pendragon Records

Reviewed by
Matt Simpson

Visit
La Floa Maldita

Contact
La Floa Maldita

Visit
Pendragon


Last Edit/Update
06 June, 1999

Pendragon Records Presents

La Floa Maldita

Destination Heaven

Track Listing

1.  Your Indecision (edit 2)
2.  Sorciere (coupe speciale)
3.  No Destination
4.  Force Motrice
5.  L'oasis (radio version)
6.  La Fin
7.  Imagination (radio edit)
8.  Moonstruck (diary version)
9.  Daydreamer (beyond)
10.  The Strongest Man
11.  Dedication!  Separation!
12.  L'enfer Confortable (endrummed)
13.  Break This Vow
14.  Sorciere (das ich remix)
15.  L'oasis (haujobb and forma tadre remix)

            "Destination Heaven" is the latest offering from La Floa Maldita.  A collection of tracks spanning 1993-1998, this is the first Pendragon release from the German duo of Guido leFric and Rhea.  First impressions?   Very impressive :)
     La Floa Maldita is billed as a hybrid of Cocteau Twins and Delerium.  Frankly, I find La Floa Maldita much more enjoyable than Delerium (of course, that could also be explaned by my general distaste towards Fulber, but that's a different story..).   However, comparisons to such are fair, and I think they surpass such nods.  The style of these two melds a dark, melodic approach with heavy percussive elements and an ambient trance-like ethereal feel.  The tracks maintain a feeling of semblance with each other - it's a complete feel throughout the album.   It's clear that these two are masters of their craft.  Thick guitars can be found hidden and manipulated beneath the harmony (and believe me, there is a great deal of pure harmony) and nicely compliment the dark overtones without making it - well, I hate labelling, but here goes - goth.  I really do like this.
     As said before, this *is* a compilation of their best (if not, I'd like to know where I can get their backcatalog FOR the best), and the general feel of the entire album is the same.  That does tend to get a bit stale.  The tracks are distinctive, yet they maintain the same mood in my opinion.   Thankfully, they've included remixes by such names as haujobb & forma tadre (two in-friggin-credible bands that do give a similar feel).  "Destination Heaven" stands out on it's own as a well-rounded release that gives a very moody, ambient, almost magic feel without the pure technicality of labelmates (and remix contributors) haujobb.  I can't say I'm always listening to this CD, but I find myself popping it in during pleasant drives late at night.  I'd say this is worth a listen, and probably worth a buy if you're in the mood for some complex yet lush melodies and ethereal harmonies.