"A Quest for Prog" is a series of 50 Progressive Rock reviews to be written over a year. The band selection is taken from the book in the first post on this blog. And the albums I am reviewing is based on the highest user ratings for each band on Progarchives.com.
Grobschnitt – Ballermann (1974)
Produced by Frank Mille
Stefan Danielak (Wildschwein) – Lead vocals & Guitar
Joachim Ehrig (Eroc) – Drums, Percussion, Vocals & Electronic f/x
Volker Kahrs (Mist) – Keyboards
Gerd-Otto Kühn (Lupo) – Lead Guitar
Bernhard Uhlemann (Bär) – Bass
Track listing:
Side One:
01. Sahara (5:33)
02. Nickel-Odeon (9:14)
03. Drummer's Dream (6:11)
Side Two:
01. Morning Song (5:42)
02. Magic Train (13:20)
Side Three:
01. Solar-Music, Part 1 (17:28)
Side Four:
01. Solar-Music, Part 2 (15:58)
Released in 1974 “Ballermann” is the second album by German band Grobschnitt. The band formed from the ashes of psychedelic rock band The Crew. Originally formed as an eight piece the band slimming down to a five piece after the band’s debut album. The band like many German bands of the time they sang in English. The band are known for mixing comedy and music in concert and on record.
The album begins with the bizarre “Sahara”. The song begins with what I can only describe as a silly comedy sketch in the vein of the Goons that moves into Egyptian vocal riffing. When the band comes in musically and vocally the song reminded me of 70’s rock version of Rammstein. I’m not a big fan of the vocals on this one and musically it is a little boring but the guitars were really good.
The jazzy “Nickel-Odeon” follows and is reminiscent of The Doors jazzier tunes. The song has really nice movement and features some really strong keyboards but does drag a bit. The Vocals on this song reminded me of David Gilmour and are heavily affected. The gets stronger as it goes and near the end reminded me Yes with nice summery guitars.
“Drummer's Dream” begins with really pretty piano. This tune reminds me of the kind of music that progressive bands were making in the 90's. It sounds bright and the band is playing really great on this tune but I’m not a big fan of this kind of sound.
“Morning Song” has an acoustic feel and is kind of folky. The playing is very precise and is quite pleasant with some dirty keyboards that sound like Van Der Graaf Generator. The song ends with some silly grunting which is a bit weird.
The intro to “Magic Train” features some really strong piano by Volker Kahrs. Strangely this piano intro just suddenly stops and a bass drum starts pulsing. The main part of the song is a mix of Jethro Tull and Hotel California. The energy in the song is really good and the band is playing really well but the song does drag on a bit.
Record two is dedicated to the Solar Music pieces. Side one includes “Solar-Music, Part 1” a cinematic tune that features some guitar like “Eye Of The Tiger”. The tune is loose with some quiet and airy passages. The song is ambient but builds with great tension. Think a dreamier “Set Controls For The Heart Of The Sun” with a massive groove. This song is a journey that builds and builds. This songs is really fantastic at doesn’t lets up. This is a really strong tune.
Flipping the record over we go “Solar-Music, Part 2” which picks the pace up from the first part. This part is really groovy. A mix of psychedelic jazz and electronic. The track uses allot vintage synths and to create a cool Sci-Fi feel. The playing is really great and band seems free to do what they please. Another really strong tune.
This album feel like two records two albums. The first is a bit silly and in places frivolous but with some really strong moments. But the second album is the absolute star of this album. If this album has just been the second record it would have been a 10/10 but the first album brings it down a little. Amazing stuff.
9/10
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