YETI

The politically-charged Amon Duul II enjoyed a relative success after the release of their debut album Phallus Dei. At the turn of the 70's, the band released their sophomore effort Yeti, which has grown to become one of audience's favorties and a classic krautrock record.

The sound of Yeti is strongly rooted in psychedelia. Remember it's 1970 and krautrock was not yet fully developed as a genre. However, it is not an ordinary psychedelic rock album. The band adds unique exotic spices to create Amon Duul II's signature musical extract. Congas and bongos, trippy wah-wah guitar, electric violin, electronic effects, distant, lengthy acid vamps - this is what makes Yeti such a unique experience. Musically, it bases on already established dry psychedelic rock with bluesy influences, however the band adds a unique piquancy in form of frequent atonality and dissonancy.

The musicianship is on the release excellent. Definitely not classically-trained, yet precise, accurate, and classy. John Weinzierl's guitar parts are really the nucleus of the band's sound. Peter Leopold's drumming is tight throughout and keeps up well with the group's dynamic sound. Falk Rogner is responsible for keyboard parts, which give Amon Duul II a very unique dreamy nature. Renate Knaup's voice has a very distinct timbre.

All in all, Yeti is a classic German masterpiece and a hint of what would grow to be Krautrock. This is highly recommended for fans of all three: Krautrock, Psychedelic Rock, and Progressive Rock. Wunderbar!