VON ZAMLA "1983"

Von Zamla was born in the wake of Zamla Mammaz Manna's split, with keyboardist Lars Holmer and guitarist Eino Haapala (who'd joined the previous band just as they transformed from Samla Mammas Manna into Zamla Mammaz Manna) dusting themselves down, recruiting some new colleagues, and then continuing their forays into deep RIO territory. This live album is gleaned from a set of shows they did in March 1983.

The slightly Germanic-sounding name of this configuration of the band is apt, given the intense drum work of Mårten Tiselius which puts me in mind of the motorik approach of some Krautrock groups, but the Canterbury-esque roots of the Zamla/Samla legacy are still just about audible here. With a range of strong compositions - pieces from both Von Zamla albums, rarities only to be found here, and even an old Samla track - the band put in a great showing and by and large the track selection on the album is great, with the result that the hour-and-a-bit of material on here simply flies by. Highly recommended to all fans of this Swedish powerhouse of avant-prog.