Hoelderlin (1975)
Hoelderlin's second album came three years later after their debut, and is quite a departure in sound. Opening up with a mellotron drenched prog rock instrumental, it's clear they've moved on from their Krautrock inspired folk sound. While the second track is folk based, it's more Jethro Tull than Emtidi or Broselmaschine. There are elements of Traum on A3 with its dark folky presence, though most of the composition is of a symphonic prog nature. A4 has a Genesis flavor due to the vocals, though it's a relatively straightforward song. This leads to the side long 'Deathwatchbeetle'. If there's any doubt where Hoelderlin's heart is, then this track underscores the point that they are ensconced into the prog world. Genesis remains a strong presence in their style at this stage.
Ownership: 1977 Spiegelei (LP). Acquired in 1993.
1993; 1995; 1998; 7/8/06; 10/3/26 (review)
Rare Birds (1977)
Rare Birds follows the unique Genesis meets cosmic / space rock hybrid of Clowns and Clouds, with yet another difficult-to-pin-down progressive rock album. The compositions are increasingly more accessible, with a certain soft lens focus coloring their sound. Viola is clearly their defining instrument at this point. Vocals are airy and melodic. The songwriting is excellent, and given the right commercial backing, Hoelderlin would have been household names. From a prog fans standpoint, the album's highlight is the driving instrumental 'Necronomicon'. This is an album that has grown on me tremendously over the near 30 years I've been acquainted with it. Definitely not an "immediate" release, so something to consider if you're encountering the music for the first time.
Ownership: 1977 Spiegelei (LP). Acquired in 1987.
Clowns & Clouds (1976)
Clowns and Clouds, Hoelderlin's third album, is a diverse work from this classic 70s German symphonic progressive rock band. No doubt Genesis is a major influence here, especially on the 'Clowns' side (tracks 1 to 3). 'Madhouse' could easily have been lifted from Genesis' Trick of the Tail, but with the addition of viola and squealing sax, which gives it an entirely unique sound. 'Your Eyes' is interesting to me, because it sounds like something you'd hear on a late 70s / early 80s Alan Parsons Project album, though the instrumental sections are much more progressive rock oriented. The 'Clouds' side is considerably more unique and is what makes this album special. Here, Hoelderlin offer up a more laid back and cosmic rock music. Violin, flute, sax, Rhodes, synthesizers, acoustic + electric guitar, and a steady rhythm section make for a serene and beautiful experience. Difficult to find comparisons for this side of their music, but perhaps the instrumental sections of Novalis' second album and Dawn-era Eloy can provide some context. The cover features a nice water painting.
Ownership: 1976 Spiegelei (LP). Acquired in 1993.
Rare Birds follows the unique Genesis meets cosmic / space rock hybrid of Clowns and Clouds, with yet another difficult-to-pin-down progressive rock album. The compositions are increasingly more accessible, with a certain soft lens focus coloring their sound. Viola is clearly their defining instrument at this point. Vocals are airy and melodic. The songwriting is excellent, and given the right commercial backing, Hoelderlin would have been household names. From a prog fans standpoint, the album's highlight is the driving instrumental 'Necronomicon'. This is an album that has grown on me tremendously over the near 30 years I've been acquainted with it. Definitely not an "immediate" release, so something to consider if you're encountering the music for the first time.
Ownership: 1977 Spiegelei (LP). Acquired in 1987.
1987; 7/10/07; 8/14/12; 10/11/15 (review); 2/7/23
Clowns and Clouds, Hoelderlin's third album, is a diverse work from this classic 70s German symphonic progressive rock band. No doubt Genesis is a major influence here, especially on the 'Clowns' side (tracks 1 to 3). 'Madhouse' could easily have been lifted from Genesis' Trick of the Tail, but with the addition of viola and squealing sax, which gives it an entirely unique sound. 'Your Eyes' is interesting to me, because it sounds like something you'd hear on a late 70s / early 80s Alan Parsons Project album, though the instrumental sections are much more progressive rock oriented. The 'Clouds' side is considerably more unique and is what makes this album special. Here, Hoelderlin offer up a more laid back and cosmic rock music. Violin, flute, sax, Rhodes, synthesizers, acoustic + electric guitar, and a steady rhythm section make for a serene and beautiful experience. Difficult to find comparisons for this side of their music, but perhaps the instrumental sections of Novalis' second album and Dawn-era Eloy can provide some context. The cover features a nice water painting.
Ownership: 1976 Spiegelei (LP). Acquired in 1993.
1993; 1995; 5/8/12 (review)
Also own: Holderlins Traum; Live Traumstadt
5/8/12 (new entry)
