Touch. 1981 Germany

Germany certainly had no shortage of bands influenced by Gabriel era Genesis in the late 70s and early 80s including Neuschwanstein, Ivory, Sirius, and a host of others. The populous nation had a head start on the burgeoning NWOBPR scene that was about to take hold in England. Unfortunately there was little market for progressive music in Germany at the time, and all the bands faded rather quickly. Touch (a band name already used 966 times prior) were yet another band that went for a try. They featured a dominant violinist (from Pell Mell), and his fine playing recalls Hoelderlin's own Genesis phase (Clowns and Clouds specifically). The vocals do resemble the theatrical elements of Peter Gabriel quite well. The instrumental work throughout is above standard, and I'm impressed with the overall production. The use of Moog sequencing is refreshing in this context. There is a fair amount of commercial pandering - yet another harbinger of the ill-conceived "neo prog" aspect of the once promising NWOBPR movement. The compositions are diverse, and well thought out. Fans of early 80s Genesis inspired progressive music will enjoy this one. The instrumental work sells this one for me.

Ownership: LP: 1981 Cain. Single sleeve. Purchased online. This was a CDRWL entry and I quickly secured the LP since it was easy to find and cheap. That is still the case. No reissues exist.

Last listen: Feb 24, 2021