Thursday, January 31, 2013

Rictus - Christelle ou la Decouverte du Mal. 1981 France

Rictus' debut is very much a deep underground album from France. Raw and primitive overall but with some cool compressed fuzz guitar sounds and a vintage 60's organ to go along with Fender Rhodes, Moog and even some cheap 1980's era synthesizers. At times the album recalls Nuance's Il est une Legende, especially concerning the ferocious fuzz guitar leads. There's also some dramatic Ange style vocals that are reassuring in this setting. There's almost nothing 1980s about this album, other than the aforementioned keyboards (and even at that, they are rarely deployed).

CD: 2012 Strawberry Rain (Canada)

An extremely rare album, the original LP was pressed in a limited edition of 250 copies for friends and fans, with the surplus ending up in a village record store. I can remember having this one on a curiosity list going back to the mid 1990s. Le Kiosque D'Orphee is a very similar label to FLVM, and was basically an LP pressing plant for those who could provide a master tape. The CD is housed in a nice mini-LP sleeve, complete with liner notes, photos, and bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are from later versions of the band. The leader of Rictus was directly involved with this reissue. 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Ayahuasca Dark Trip - Mind Journey. 2010 Peru


Ayahuasca Dark Trip are a psychedelic ambient band from Peru that use guitars and soft vocals to achieve a hypnotic affect. Dark and mesmerizing, the group lull you into the site of Machu Picchu ever so slowly. Just when you think it's safe to close your eyes, a pulverizing blast of metal comes plowing through the speakers to pummel you into submission. Ayahuasca Dark Trip are an amazingly patient band, who have tapped into an ancient ritual - deep in the recesses of your mind.

Ownership: LP: 2012 Cosmic Eye

1/30/13 (new entry)

Lumerians - Transmissions From Telos Vol. 4. 2012 USA-California


Being the eternal packaging loons that the Lumerians are, they decided to put a mirror image on the different LP covers, so the bird faces a different way on each. The cover above is the French version, since that's all they have on RYM and I'm way too lazy to upload the version on Permanent. Oh, the US version is on white vinyl and the French one is beige. This band loves their packaging details that's for sure.

Putting the baseball card aspect aside for a moment, what about the music? As I'd read prior, this album is indeed more loose in structure. It features 4 long jams, that are untitled. "I mean, that's such a square thing to do man... who names songs anymore? They have no meaning anyway, ya know." Side 1 contains three songs. The first is within their trademark motorik territory, recalling the Can/Neu! sound. Track 2 is really interesting, like a freakbeat 1960's track gone amok. You can just picture the Girl in the Cage dancing her brains out, with the psychedelic liquid light show flashing chaotically behind. Track 3 is the real revelation here. For the first time that I can ever recall, a band has successfully attempted the Middle Eastern psychedelic jamming of Agitation Free's "Malesch". For that alone, the album should be held in high regard. Pounding drums, hand percussion, haunting organ atmospheres, with synthesizer solos laid on top. Breathtaking. What a sublime track! Unfortunately the momentum stops on the side long track for the flip side. I can appreciate a jam with focus, but this one just meanders aimlessly with far too much noise and chaos to have any impact. Such a shame to not capitalize on the fantastic first side. Still a recommended album - just not as much as the potential suggests.

Ownership: LP: 2012 Permanent

1/30/13 (new entry)

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Astrakan ~ England


Comets & Monsters (2012)

While the first album stayed completely in the underground, at least Astrakan's latest album Comets and Monsters is slightly more accessible, being readily available from online retailers. Musically the band stray further towards the jazz end of the Canterbury spectrum. Adding female vocalist and keyboardist Celia Lu has defined their new direction. She sings in a higher pitched fashion - perhaps even pseudo operatic at times - similar to Dagmar Krause. But with a Chinese accent. It's a bit bizarre to say the least. I personally wish they'd exploit their rock abilities, but it seems Astrakan are more intent to stay within the jazz idiom. Henry Cow circa In Praise of Learning is a major influence on Comets and Monsters, but without the annoying tuneless improvisations, thus endearing the band more to my tastes.

Former ownership: 2012 Jaguar Steps (CD). Acquired in 2013. Downsized in 2022.

1/29/13 (review); 6/8/22


Astrakan (2008)

Astrakan starts a-fire with 'In & Out', which possesses a distinct Canterbury sound but completely run amok. The shredding wah-wah guitar left me breathless. Too bad there isn't much more of that psychedelic sound present throughout. Have no fear though, the melodic jazz rock that the Canterbury sound is noted for remains intact. The jazz influence becomes more prominent in the middle of the disc. Sax and organ all get plenty of time to shine. I particularly enjoy their extended use of the latter. It's important to note that Astrakan focus more on composition and atmosphere rather than noisy soloing, thus endearing itself to me. Highlights include tracks 1, 2, 5, and 7.

Astrakan says: "Friends and followers of the band have likened their sound variously to Soft Machine, Zappa, Gong , Dave Douglas as well as to the newer jazz outfits such as Fraud, Led Bib and Get the Blessing." 

Ownership: 2008 private (CD). Acquired in 2011.

4/10/11 (review); 11/4/23

4/10/11 (new entry)

Monday, January 28, 2013

Sanhedrin ~ Israel


Ever After (2011)

Sanhedrin are a new band from Israel where guitar and flute are the main thrust of the music. Features Shem-Tov Levi from the legendary Sheshet on flute. Melody is first and foremost, with a strong emphasis on old school analog instrumentation and production values. I'm reminded of bands from the 1980s and early 90s underground that were highly influenced by prime Camel. Groups such as Asia Minor, Minimum Vital, Solaris, and Rousseau all come to mind here. Towards the end of the disc there's a distinct Pulsar (hence Pink Floyd) influence. The modern Japanese group TEE also could be a reference here. A superb debut.

Ownership: 2011 Fading (CD)

1/28/13 (review / new entry)

Psychedelic World Music: Discovery


Psychedelic World Music is a compilation featuring 9 bands from around the world that have recorded primarily instrumental psychedelic space rock music - two-thirds of it unreleased until now. The most obvious comparison would be the bands coming out of  the UK Festival psych scene of the 1980s such as Ozric Tentacles, Mandragora, and Soma. But as you listen closely, the groups featured on this compilation, regardless of location, seem to have adopted the Central and Eastern European variation of said sound. It's especially noticeable in the melodies, but the rhythmic structure looks Eastward as well. So if you're a fan of bands like Korai Orom, Ole Lukkoye, and Vespero, then this compilation is a must pick up. I am myself, and I found all nine bands here to be revelatory.

The first three tracks are especially captivating. Namely Cosmic Vibration (Germany), Triptych (England), and The Misteriosos (USA). If I were a label with money to spend, I'd start right here to build up my stable of bands and know that my label would have instant credibility. The latter, in particular, is the highlight of the entire disc with its mysterious female voice, atmospheric acid psychedelic guitar, and "Saucerful of Secrets" pounding percussion. Interesting to find out, then, that this is one of the three previously released tracks on the disc (none of which I'd heard prior to this). The Misteriosos track is from an obscure 2005 album, that apparently is completely different than this one track. That's too bad as it would have been my top priority to own. Starting with Track 4, the thrills become a little less per minute, but everything on here is at least very good. Considering the remainder, the Russian group Grey Mouse, and the Belgian band The Narcotic Daffodils are of particular interest. There are three bands here that are from countries that are rarely represented in rock music: Armenia, Belarus, and China - the last one being an all-time first for me. And something tells me that we will be hearing a ton of music from China in the next 50 years. In fact, I'd bet on that.

If any of this sounds at all interesting, then do not miss out on this wonderful compilation. Trail Records is the best USA label producing space rock today.

Ownership: CD: 2012 Trail Records

1/28/13 (new entry)

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Moving Gelatine Plates - The World of Genius Hans. 1972 France


Everything I love about the debut is magnified and enhanced on their second and final 70s album. They cut the excess (lengthy solos, including the worthless drum bit) while increasing the complexity, the instrumentation, as well as the melodic content. Regarding the latter, an incredible 450 themes were incorporated into these compositions. The end result is nothing short of astounding. I often read reviews where the opening 14 minute title track is mind blowing, and the remainder trails off. I agree with the assessment of the first track. However the album actually improves from there. The shorter tracks allow even more ideas per second to flow through. In fact, I'd say the two best tracks are the ones they chose for a single ('Funny Doll', 'Cauchemar') which I've included in the images above. MGP can do no wrong it seems. Overall, I find the album highly memorable long after the music has stopped. Considering the complexity, that's an extraordinary accomplishment. Most of these complex instrumental albums, especially in modern times, are cold and clinical. Moving Gelatine Plates proves that does not have to be the case, and should be held up as a role model for future generations.

Most everyone has a favorite album. This is mine. A perfect 100 out of a 100.

Depending on my mood, I could also say the cover is my all-time favorite. It's completely captivating, and appeals to my sense of humor.



Ownership: LP: 1972 CBS. Single sleeve. Online acquisition from a dealer in France (1999).

CD: 1993 Musea. Jewel case. Includes a full history. As bonus tracks they complete the Moving (1980) album that they started on the first album. 

1994 (first listen); 1/24/13 (review/new entry)


Psycho Praxis ~ Italy


Echoes from the Deep (2012)

[1971. A major city in the USA] Me and my friend Billy went over to Peaches Record Store and I just bought this great import album by an English band called Psycho Praxis. Dude, I spent three week's allowance on it. Looks awesome. A killer gatefold cover on Vertigo, mannn. Features acid guitar, Hammond organ, dreamy / amplified English vocals, fuzz bass, and flute. Reminds me of that other new band we bought called Uriah Heep, crossed with Jethro Tull, Atomic Rooster, and Raw Material. Right Billy?

Except it's 2012 and they're from Italy.

Ownership: 2012 Black Widow (CD)

1/24/13 (review / new entry)

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Eldberg. 2011 Iceland


Iceland had a small, but productive early 1970s underground rock scene, propelled by a few interesting bands such as Svanfridur, Odmenn, Trubrot, Manar, and Nattura (apologies to diacritic purists). Eldberg is a modern band dedicated to returning the glory of that genre. I seriously doubt, if blindfolded, anyone could place this band as from 2011. Defiantly singing in their native Icelandic, coupled along with an arsenal of old analog keyboards - predominantly Hammond organ - Eldberg successfully restores this once great scene to the modern era. Musically closer to other Scandinavian acts such as Alrune Rod (Denmark), November (Sweden), and Host (Norway), the progressive rock nature of Eldberg is held back somewhat by an overly lyrical stance (perhaps recalling the poppier Trubrot or Odmenn), that can be a bit of a drag in parts - especially towards the end of the disc. No need to fret though, as this keeps them only from Gnosis 12 territory, rather than something truly mediocre. If they let loose instrumentally, we're talking the next big thing in retro progressive rock circles.

Ownership: CD: 2011 Mylodon (Chile)

1/23/13 (new entry)

Monday, January 21, 2013

Moving Gelatine Plates. 1971 France


I suppose it was inevitable that I would eventually blog about my all-time favorite group from the 1970s. I know that's a strange thing to say for a band that only managed two albums in a two year period. However, Moving Gelatine Plates has the perfect recipe for my aural appetite. They feature the rare combination of being both memorably melodic and academically complex. They are affable, fun, and approachable. They were all about music and not about leftist politics (hard to find bands like that in the early 1970s French political landscape). The sounds they chose were thick, fat and wedgy - fuzz bass, loud acid guitar, trumpet, sax and flute. And perhaps best of all: They rocked like a motherf*cker. The opening track 'London Cab' is absolutely perfect, and a great example of MGP's overall sound. The only weakness found on the album is the overlong drum solo on 'Last Song', that I'm sure the band would agree on reflection, is completely unnecessary. There is no doubt that they were influenced by the Canterbury bands of Soft Machine and Caravan. But Moving Gelatine Plates takes the concepts of melody, composition, and rock energy to its logical extreme. They are Canterbury extract, in the same way that Presents From Nancy era Supersister were - but MGP was even more fleshed out considering the expanded instrumental lineup. All the good stuff stayed in, while the waste was filtered out. And to think they actually improved on their next album!


Ownership: LP: 1971 CBS. Single sleeve. Online acquisition from a dealer in Norway (1998). 

CD: 1992 Musea. Purchased not long after release and was my introduction to the album and group. As usual Musea closes the door on all potential competition with a high quality release, complete with detailed liners and photos. As a bonus, they provide half of the Moving album from 1980 (to be completed on the second MGP reissue).


1993; 1998; 1/21/13 (new entry)

Litmus - Planetfall. 2007 England


Continuing on from You Are Here, Litmus ups the intensity level on Planetfall. Once again, Litmus trades in on the Hawkwind meets Omnia Opera market, though this time everything gets the "turned up to 11" treatment. 75 minutes of brain blasting fun. Hard rock thrash, aimless wah wah solos, Moog tweets, mellotron interludes, and monotone vocals. It's sooooo English spacerock. Not sure there's anywhere else Litmus can go with this concept - they've exhausted the possibilities of the style.

Ownership: CD: 2007 Rise Above

1/21/13 (new entry); 12/29/23 (removed from collection)

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Shaa Khan - The World Will End on Friday. 1978 Germany


Before Sky became an almost exclusively electronic label, they experimented a bit with symphonic progressive rock. Shaa Khan, Octopus, and Ramses are three of their most known bands in this specialty area of music. Shaa Khan is yet another laid back German progressive rock band. Bands like Novalis, Jane, Eloy, and Grobschnitt were huge influences in their day and Shaa Khan draws directly from this well. Of course Pink Floyd must be also mentioned in this context, simply to note their global influence at the time. The English vocals are awkward, a feeble attempt at performing both a Peter Gabriel and/or David Gilmour style. Nice guitar leads, copious mellotron/Hammond organ use, and the album features five long compositions, so an easy recommendation to traditional progressive rock fans. File along with Faithful Breath, Indigo, Pancake, Fly, Minotaurus, Albatros, and a host of others from the late 1970s German scene.

Interesting to note that Conny Plank would have agreed to produce this, had they chosen the German language. As such, it was recommended they record with Dieter Dierks, who was recording The Scorpions' Taken By Force at the same time. Apparently some spirited soccer matches between the bands occurred during the recordings.

Ownership: CD: 2009 Sireena. Digipak. Booklet contains history in both English and German, with photos. No bonus tracks.

10/4/07 (first listen); 1/19/13 (review / new entry)

Friday, January 18, 2013

P. P. Zahl ~ Germany


Alle Türen Offen (1978)

German polit-rock albums are typically a tough minefield to navigate. From the punk angst of Checkpoint Charlie to the theatrical Floh de Cologne to the earnest Ton Steine Scherben and onto the always changing Oktober, all these bands are a challenging listen. The German language is much welcomed, though the meaning is lost on me. P.P. Zahl are closer to the Oktober recipe (and apparently related as well), and that’s a good thing for those who are going more for the music than the lyrical component. Other than the usual rock instruments, a distinctly Spanish acoustic guitar makes numerous appearances. Fellow German language compatriots Novalis seem to also have played an influence, primarily the spacey texture of sound. And Minotaurus comes to mind on the synth bits. Picked up some counterpoint ala Gentle Giant on Side 2. One of the best for the style. Named after poet Peter Paul Zahl.

Ownership: 1978 Antagon (LP). Gatefold

No reissues exist as I update this (2/21/25)

2006 (review); 1/18/13 (new entry)

Tamarisk - Frozen in Time. 1982-1983 England



Tamarisk reminds me of everything I like about the NWOBPR scene. They're tight, melodic, fast, and reasonably complex. The vocalist sounds like every other UK vocalist who spent a wasted youth with his dogeared Genesis albums (I mean that as a compliment). The guitar playing, in particular, is well done. And lots of mellotron on Lost Properties. All in all, very satisfying material.

CD: 2012 private (as Frozen in Time)

The two cassettes are very obscure, and I personally had never even heard of Tamarisk back in the day, even though I was already deep diving the NWOBPR scene in the early 1980s. Moe Curly turned me onto them via a CD-R only a few years back, and thus they became a feature on our CDRWL site. Frozen in Time is a well done private CD reissue of Tamarisk's two albums made by the band. The first 4 tracks are from the Lost Properties EP cassette (1983), whereas tracks 5 to 7 are from their debut EP cassette (1982). There are no bonus tracks.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Zoppo Trump - s/t. 1971-1972; 1976 Germany (archival)

The first two tracks here are when Zoppo Trump still existed as a guitar/keys-bass-drums trio. The music has a certain sophistication, but is also quite informed by the West Coast USA psych sound. At this point, they could be considered a parallel group to Walpurgis. Summary: Good not great. However change was on the horizon. Adding dedicated guitarist Ulrich Beck in 1972, which freed up band leader Ferdi Eberth on the Hammond organ, resulted in a remarkable progression for the band. As represented by tracks 3 to 7, Zoppo Trump sound more like their Krautrock contemporaries who adopted jazz characteristics as additives to their psychedelic Krautrock stew. Comparisons to bands such as Out of Focus, Thirsty Moon and Eiliff would not be an exaggeration here.  This gets us to the two previously released tracks from 1976, that were initially on the "Scena Westphalica"* compilation. Eberth rebuilt the band from the ground up, himself switching back to guitar, while adding three new members on keyboards/sax, bass, and drums. Here the band trades in their psychedelic Krautrock chips for a sound entrenched in more standard forms of jazz rock. Overall, an extraordinary musical document, which clearly demonstrates that Zoppo Trump could very well have released one of the all-time great Krautrock albums had they the proper chance. Only drawback is the less than stellar sound quality throughout (though still very listenable and miles better than bootleg standard).

*According to the liner notes, Garden of Delights states clearly that "Scena Westphalica" was released in 1976. They also opine that, in addition to Zoppo Trump, "the other tracks on the compilation album, by the way, are not of any interest for progressive fans." I have not heard the album myself, but I'm inclined to believe them all the same. I'm going to guess then, that the Electric Mud Orchestra, while no doubt related to the 1971 band (and bass player Udo Preising was the owner of the label Förderturm and a member of Electric Mud - and later was in Zoppo Trump - hence the connection), is in no way musically similar. As of course the Electric Mud album itself is "of interest" to progressive fans.

CD: 2009 Garden of Delights

My Brother the Wind - Twilight in the Crystal Cabinet. 2010 Sweden


Formed by guitarists Mathias Danielson (Gösta Berlings Saga, Makajodama) and Nicklas Barker (Anekdoten), My Brother the Wind (named after an obscure Sun Ra album from 1970) exists as the musician's vehicle for improvised space rock. I had feared initially that My Brother the Wind would join the Post Rock ranks, given the lengthy free associated album title favored by the genre, and the fact that Danielson had recently formed (and disbanded) a similar type group with Makajodama. But my fears were wiped away early on, as the guitar sounds are heavily affected in a psychedelic manner, and the group clearly is influenced by the 1970s masters. All the same, Twilight in the Crystal Cabinet takes some concentrated listening to work through the details in your mind. Because of the hour long length of the disc, there are many moments that probably could have been filtered out for a more compact and enjoyable experience. Like with many modern space rock bands, My Brother the Wind subscribes to the "if you can't find it, grind it" mentality to push an idea forward in a non-convincing manner. Interestingly enough, the one band that My Brother the Wind most resembles - and I haven't seen anyone mention this before - is the Californian group Djam Karet, especially if you consider titles such as Still No Commercial Potential. Nearby Oresund Space Collective would also have to be considered a reference, especially in the overall approach department. That is to say: Record hours of improvised space rock, and then edit it down for public consumption. It will be interesting to see where the band goes from here.


Ownership: CD: 2010 Transubstans. Colorful digi-pak.

Removed from collection (2022).

11//10; 1/12/13 (new entry); 12/29/21; 7/4/22

Friday, January 11, 2013

Mathematicians - Factor of Four. 1996 USA-Indiana


In the late 1980s through the early 90s, there was a movement for rock / jazz instrumental albums (think mid 70's Jeff Beck here), that brought on a slew of interesting releases, most of which are long forgotten today. The indie label I.R.S. started a series call No Speak, of which the majority of their roster was made up of top level electric guitarists whose commercially viable days were at least 15 years behind them (Jan Akkerman, Robbie Krieger, Wishbone Ash, Ronnie Montrose, etc...). They also had a series of compilation albums called Guitar Speak that were highly revered back in the day. In parallel to this, Relativity Records was pushing out albums by more trendy artists such as Steve Vai, Vinnie Moore, and Joe Satriani, while also signing up the middle generation guys like Steve Howe and Gary Moore.

Indianapolis based Mathematicians were clearly a product of this movement. It's hard edged guitar fronted fusion, with mild complexity, and a few good melodies. Keyboards are there primarily to provide accompaniment to the guitar pyrotechnics. Make no mistake, Mathematicians aren't a "guitar hero" band, as the compositions are fleshed out enough to enjoy in a listening session rather than as a "how to record" for budding guitarists. While the debut is well done, the level of intensity and songwriting improves on Factor of Four, and thus is the recommended place to start.

If you're a "man of a certain age", then this review will most assuredly bring back memories of that era, and you'll probably want to investigate this CD (or at the very least go digging through your closet for the IRS / Relativity albums you own... somewhere). As noted above, I bought this in the 1990s, and it's held the test of time well. In fact, the music has improved with age.


Ownership: CD: 1996 Acme. Basic layout with photos of the band. 

1/11/13 (new entry); 8/6/20 

My Brother the Wind - I Wash My Soul in the Stream of Infinity. 2011 Sweden


While the debut album traded in on some familiar modern concepts of space rock, I Wash My Soul in the Stream of Infinity reaches further back into the recesses of time, and adds a dollop of atmospheric Krautrock to the proceedings. This is exactly what the band needed, thus providing the proper context for the inevitable psychedelic jamming parts. There's an art to setting the table before dinner, and it appears many bands just want to jump into a bucket of chicken, and call it a meal. While the first album appears to have been a spontaneous jam session, followed by the idea that maybe it would be worthwhile to edit and release - I Wash My Soul in the Stream of Infinity starts with the knowledge of why the band exists, and where it wants to go. It may be improvised, but this time it was "planned randomness". So a bit more thought was applied before starting, rather than just plug in, find a key to play in, and wail.  The atmosphere here is much more dense and exotic, including a propensity to look East, just as their forefathers had done 40 years prior. My Brother the Wind is bordering on the brilliant here, and one hopes they follow this path further to release something truly incredible. I think this album also benefited greatly from an expansion of the instrumental palette - including Hammond, Mellotron, acoustic guitar, percussion, and electric sitar. So while I have rated both these albums the same (for now that is), I Wash my Soul in the Stream of Infinity is near the top of the range while the debut is at the bottom. Let's see what happens next.

Ownership: CD: 2011 Transubstans

1/11/13 (new entry)

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Quaterna Réquiem - O Arquiteto. 2012 Brazil


O Arquiteto is Quaterna Réquiem's first new studio album in 18 years. And really, as far as I'm concerned, it's the first new album by the band since 1990. Quaterna Réquiem has successfully reunited Wiermann and Vogel, along with long time drummer Cláudio Dantas and two new members on guitar and bass, to continue on the legacy they began on Velha Gravura. Unlike the Sithonia reunion that we just wrote about, Quaterna Réquiem eschewed the temptation to go retro with all analog instrumentation. Rather they decided to continue on exactly as if it were 1991 and it was time for a followup album. Still, the production standards are definitely 2012 and the keyboard tones are fatter and better recorded than the 1990 album - so fear not as they wisely upgraded in the production department. The highlight, of course, is the compositional quality which is richly layered and deeply thought out. Violin, piano, synthesizers, and guitar all take their turn at leading the instrumental parade. It's a long instrumental album, as 22 years of ideas come pouring out, that requires close listening to fully appreciate. Quaterna Réquiem were at the forefront of the 1990 progressive movement, one that never really had much chance to spread its wings as the commercial neo-prog bands were dominating the contemporary audience at that time. If you long for the progressive rock sound of the 1990 era such as Solaris' 1990, Nuova Era's Dopo L'Infinito, Minimum Vital's Sarabandes, and Tribute's Terra Incognita, then Quaterna Réquiem's O Arquiteto will fill that void. It brought a rush of memories back for me. Highly recommended.

Ownership: CD: 2012 private

1/8/13 (new entry)

Quaterna Réquiem - Velha Gravura. 1990 Brazil


Quaterna Réquiem were one of the first bands of the late 1980s/early 90s progressive rock renaissance to review the works of the Mediterranean bands such as Quella Vecchia Locanda and Gotic, rather than the standard English "Big 3" of Genesis, Yes, and ELP. As such, their in-depth research of 1970's progressive rock adds a dimension sorely missing from most works of this time frame. Quaterna Réquiem performs a new interpretation of a much missed genre of music - what was once known as "Euro Rock". And the only thing keeping Quaterna Réquiem from classic "retro prog" status, that which is all the rage in 2000+, is the lack of analog keyboard instrumentation. But the compositions, skillful playing, and youthful exuberance carry the day here, so that Hammond organs and mellotrons are hardly necessary. A very fine work from a band that dissolved all too quickly in its original form.

Ownership: CD: 1992 Faunus

My original copy was the LP purchased upon release. It was an easy decision to switch it out for the CD not long after.

1990; 1/8/13 (new entry)

Enrico Rava ~ Italy

Katcharpari (1973) A reliable friend recently recommended this title to me, and since it was just released on CD for the first time (in Japa...