KRAAN

I have never given a record a five star rating before. This record stands at the top of my 'top ten' kraut rock favourites and since I discovered this album, some six years ago, I return to it regularly. Kraan's debut is one record that I always listen to from start to finish, every time. I love the hazy seventies production, with the heady phasing on the drums, huge dynamic bass and bright guitars and sax. Fans of early Embryo will most likely find this record a winner. For my money, Kraan has assembled a winning combination with their brand of acid-edged rock, jazzy moves, repetitive themes and ethnic flair.

I will omit any histories of this group, as it has been covered thoroughly by the other fantastic reviews posted here.

The highlight of this record for me is 'Kraan Arabia' which scronks and screes through middle eastern rhtyms and melodies, not dissimilar to Embryo and Faust at their gnarliest. I love the shimmering cymbals(phased for panoramic swirl, as mentioned above) and the gut-busting, undulating bass lines, that seem as though they will never relent, that is until the gorgeous breakdown towards the end... and no sooner has your heart rate returned to normal, they storm right back in to the Arabic styled mayhem. A kraut rock classic!!