AMN Reviews: One Shot – 111 (2023; Bandcamp)

It is hard to believe that One Shot has been around for a quarter century. After a long dormancy, the group put itself back together in 2021 to honor late member guitarist James Mac Gaw. This is the second release of the reconstituted One Shot since 2008. The current lineup is Emmanuel Borghi on keys, Philippe Bussonnet on bass, Daniel Jeand’heur on drums, and Bruno Ruder also on keys.

Historically and musically, One Shot cannot be easily separated from Magma. All members have been part of that band aside from Jeand’heur. Further, One Shot was founded as a Zeuhl-influenced progressive rock outfit. Indeed, the five tracks on 111 are a jazzy and spacious mix of circular themes and jagged breaks.

The complexity level is moderate, with wandering basslines, active drumming, and a gritty dual-keyboard attack. The melodies are memorable and often catchy even if you cannot quite hum along to them. Thus, One Shot largely eschews the overwhelming dynamics and repetition of Magma (though the bass-driven Mustang might be an exception as it could find a home on Üdü Ẁüdü or Attahk). Nonetheless, the band focuses on being more listenable yet still avant-garde, as 111 continues its penchant for an updated retro (1970s) sound.

In other words, One Shot produces albums that are solid progressive rock. They give a nod to the past and acknowledge their Vander influence, but do not sound dated. Consequently, 111 is an enjoyable and highly recommended release.