The X-Tapes were demo tapes from 1972, and were released for the first time in 2000 by former guitarist/vocalist Rolf Trenkler. To be honest these are pretty rough sounding, but still quite listenable. It states in the promo kit that they were one of the few German groups that the American military really enjoyed - implying Virgin’s Dream were more US sounding than many of their Krautrock contemporaries. They also point to British stalwarts Soft Machine and Cressida as influences. Album starts with ‘Wake Up’ which is the best sounding track on the CD, but is also quite short at just over a minute. Nice instrumental underground rocker with good guitar. The two minute ‘Evening Star’ follows with lyrics based on Edgar Allan Poe. Here’s where the poor sound quality takes points from what could have been a monster album. ‘Der Blaue Kapuzinermonch’ is a 17 minute long track that is a long, spacey instrumental jam. A great track in the Krautrock tradition (doesn’t sound American to me!). ‘Rainy Day in June’ is a lengthy (9 minutes) remake of the Kinks 1966 tune from their Face to Face album. Nice instrumental work, though again sound quality and the actual tune bog it down. The 11 minute ‘The Well’ is more British sounding, especially the vocals. Contains a nice jazzy mid section. ‘El Dorado’ has more lyrics from EA Poe. Sound quality is getting noticeably worse here. Musically this song is more straight forward but with nice staccato electric piano. ‘The Galant Knight’ is a pleasant instrumental with nice guitar and electric piano leads. ‘I Am One of Those’ closes the demo. A highlight track that is more radically progressive with almost Italian sounding moves. The CD closes with two bonus tracks which are wasted here. Basically smooth jazz pop similar to what Rolf is doing now with Chupitos de Fromentera in his adopted country of Spain. A recommended CD for archivists, but those where sound quality is important may want to tread carefully.
CD: 2000 Trep-X
CD sold March 2019.
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