My first exposure to Sindelfingen was at the time when the first reissue surfaced (1990) - the 2 LP set of Odgipig and the archival Triangle. I remember I wanted a front seat to one of the most sought after progressive rock rarities. The descriptions sounded delicious, and even though the set was expensive, I figured it was a can't miss item. Hmm. Welcome to the world of the ultra-rare private press. Which also welcomes one to the underproduced recording. I wasn't quite ready for that yet. And so on first blush I wasn't very impressed. And I was anxious to recoup my investment, and traded it back to the marketplace quickly. A few years after that, I acquired the CD (on Background) via a bulk buy. By that time, my ears had adjusted to the various types of underground recordings and I heard the album in a much better light. On a couple of revisits, my opinion of the album continued to improve. And last night's listen was no different.
Sindelfingen are very much a progressive rock band, but with a folk edge. They do seem to call upon the bigger names of the genre, and one can hear Lizard-era King Crimson, Jethro Tull (trading the flute for recorders), and even a little bit of Yes. The Tull reference is particularly relevant on the shorter numbers, and the vocal style resembles Ian Anderson at times. As noted, the recordings are a little rough, but the ideas are rich. Though there are six tracks, the centerpiece being the three lengthy opus' that define the album. A good one for deep divers of the English progressive rock landscape. However, be sure to check this one out after immersing yourself with the classics of the genre first.
Ownership: 2010 Anazitisi (LP). Foldout insert full of liner notes, as well as two individual sheets of lyrics. Acquired in 2018.First copy: 1990 Cenotaph (2xLP). Acquired in 1991.
1991; 1998; 1/13/18; 5/15/21 (review / new entry)
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