HOELDERLIN

Surprisingly I'm only the third reviewer... This is the second album by the German band that was named after the Romantic era poet. The German-language debut Hoelderlins Traum (1972) was more folky and featured female vocalist Nanny de Ruig. She left the group as she preferred focusing on her private life. During the following three years Hoelderlin - with a new line-up - kept on performing and shifted towards symphonic prog. This resulting album is an excellent, warm-hearted amalgam of various musical climates.

The instrumental opener 'schwebebahn' is named after the monorail of Wuppertal city and it nicely reflects its speed. Mellotron and viola bring KING CRIMSON in mind. The next two songs are a cross between dynamic prog and acoustic folk rock with some flute. Christoph Noppeney sounds a lot like Dave Cousins of STRAWBS and he sings as if he was telling stories (a bit like Peter Gabriel in Genesis). The piano-led ballad 'Nürnberg' is sung by more delicate Joachim Grumbkow.

The fine album is crowned by 17½-minute 'Deathwatchbeetle', a controlled yet complex prog composition full of art music elements in the arrangement. If the five tracks were just a bit more memorable, I wouldn't hesitate giving five stars. Very, very recommended!