Het Pandorra Ensemble ~ Netherlands

Het Pandorra Ensemble III (1978)

Taking Side 2 of King Crimson's Starless and Bible Black as a blueprint, Het Pandorra Ensemble went about releasing one of the more bizarre progressive rock albums of the era. There's quite a bit of ambient atmospherics, augmented by louder rock sections with compressed fuzz tone Frippian guitar. But unlike the decidedly atonal Crimson, Het Pandorra Ensemble follow the European model of melodic, almost jazzy, progressive rock. This is a one-of-a-kind album, with no regards to any kind of preconceived audience. The album cover is not indicative at all of the music within (though the back cover is far more interesting). See also Zog, their follow up group, who also play an entirely unique music, yet still different from Het Pandorra Ensemble. These guys were on their own planet. Despite the title, III is their debut. Strange lads.

What's even more amazing, is the bonus tracks on the CD are even better. Same style of improvised melodic dissonance (how's that for an oxymoron), but perhaps a bit more focused than the album proper. Rare is the case where the bonus tracks exceed the original product.

Ownership:
1978 Disaster Electronics (LP). Acquired in 1996.

2012 Modulus (CD). Gatefold papersleeve. Seven bonus tracks. Includes history and archival photos. Acquired in 2012.

1992; 1996; 5/23/09; 3/23/12 (review); 9/2/26

3/23/12 (new entry)