Strandgut. 1979 Germany

Strandgut were a band from Germany who released this one obscure album and then disappeared into the wilds. Their sound is not an uncommon one from the time and place - that of a female vocal led AOR / symphonic progressive rock blend. If you're familiar with bands as diverse as Rebekka, Werwolf, Credemus, Eden, Streetmark, and Epidaurus, then you should know what to expect here. There are 6 tracks, the 4 shorter ones possess a commercial feel, though I find Heike Kensy's voice very pleasant. The melodies are well thought out, and the tracks are wonderfully arranged. There are times you hear a band and wonder why they weren't noticed when so many lesser bands did get that undeserved attention. That is Strandgut. Of the 6 tracks here, only one is in English (despite titling two tracks that way). I find the German lyrics welcoming in this environment. Of course the two longer tracks allow Strandgut to stretch out with some fine organ, synthesizer, and (especially) electric guitar runs. This is not a hardcore prog album by any means. This is for fans who have a tolerance of a commercialized sound, but executed in an innovative way. I think a quality reissue would be well received. Supposedly only a few hundred copies were printed. Given that I'd never even heard of this album until very recently, it would seem to be a believable total.

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