Chickencage Experience - KamaSutra BlackBelt. 2014 Germany

Polytoxicomane Philharmonie were already an odd bunch, but their offshoot group Chickencage Experience took things to a whole new level. Their debut had me mesmerized into a trance like state, with their modern take on the female space whisperers of the early 70s Krautrock scene. For me it's one of the very best neo-Kraut albums to be heard.

So when KamaSutra BlackBelt first hit the shelves, I pounced on it like a cat with new yarn. And while it didn't have the same impact as the debut (how could it really?), I was suitably impressed, rated it a 4.0/Gnosis 11 and moved on. Strangely though, as it came up for play again, I couldn't remember a thing about it, even though it was a short 4 years ago. Hmm, strange.

Now I know why. KamaSutra BlackBelt is not really a Krautrock album at all, but rather a pure neo-psych long play. The compositions are well written, our duo of gals actually sing, and there's plenty of great retro keyboards and guitar fuzz to cuddle up with. There's a James Bond/spy flick theme throughout, so they are definitely setting the controls for the heart of the Hipster. The longer tracks are, predictably, the better ones here demonstrating some nice development within. 'Thousand Miles' and 'Still Flaky But Free' are but two great examples of this. The best is saved for last though, as they dig into their Krautrock instumental roots with the lengthy 'Whitewash'.

Of all the neo Krautrock bands coming from Germany since the 90's, my vote goes to Polytoxicomane Philharmonie / Chickencage Experience for being the most innovative - perhaps even the best representative overall. Hopefully we haven't heard the last from them.

Personal collection
CD: 2014 Nasoni

Comes in a small wallet-sized digi-pak.