OLD LOVES DIE HARD

Old Loves Die Hard is perhaps very aptly titled as it generally gets way less appreciation than previous Triumvirat recordings Spartacus or Illusions on a Double Dimple. Yet, listening to this without prejudice, there is much to like here, maybe even more than some would admit, firstly with the vocals of Barry Palmer it becomes immediately apparent that the man has some serious lungs, unjustly lambasted later by some unforgiving critics for his REO Speedwagon-ish timbre! Dick Frangenberg on bass is also a slight upgrade but the solid drums of Hans Bathelt and Jürgen Fritz' deft wizardry are both more then up front and center, they shine. The 7 pieces here are cohesive, well-crafted songs that can stand on their own. "I Believe" is a fine example of Triumvirat's obvious qualities, a simple melody taken to symphonic heights with spirited and inspired arrangements, fabulous vocal dexterity combined by charismatic piano, organ and synth playing from the master himself. The 3 part "A Day in the Life" suite begins by sedately weaving a quirky little melody along unsuspectingly morphing into a melancholic romp that puts the spotlight on Fritz's unshakable "maitrise" on piano, his heroic fingers dazzling the ivories with resilient panache, romanticism at its musical best, the third part exploding into a symphonic Moog-fest, a stunning piece of classic prog-rock. Does it get better? The answer is a definite Yes! "The History of Mystery" Parts 1 and 2 are probably some of the finest music ever put down on tape by these German titans. The main melody is one immense hook, full of blustering pomp mixed with a flurry of expression, some magic melancholia, a dash of brazen bravado, a little playfulness and lots of lustful zeal. The theme is revisited repeatedly introducing intricate synths blaring, bossy organs aglow, zipping along at furious a pace, Palmer singing with passion and exaltation. Part 2 is a bold excuse for Fritz to show off his grandiloquent Moog skills, of which he has enough in spades. "A Cold Old Worried Lady" is essentially a vocal/piano duet of infinite splendor, vivid orchestrations adding to the overall fragility of the arrangement, almost like a proggy version of Elton John. "Panic on 5th Avenue" is the longest track here, a 10 minute plus prog meisterwerk, sirens blaring uncontrolled while the Hammond destroys everything in its bellicose way, the bass and drums hammering away pitilessly. This is where the Mannschaft gets to show its instrumental mettle, Fritz in particularly Kaiserly form, ruling over his multiple keyboard arsenal like a deranged madman, evoking images of Emersonian fury, Bathelt banging away with appropriate aplomb, the bald-faced bass rolling along like a steamroller . Even the organ goes "wow" on a few occasions, simply amazing music. Imagine a five minute synthesizer solo that is never overindulgent, boring or overtly technical, in fact it remains creative, even melodic throughout. The title track closes off the proceedings, a stirring soulful lament, expertly sung and brilliantly played, a true mix of classical symphonic prog with a massive dose of feeling. This unjustly underrated album is as seductive as the 2 better known icons but it has a mature cachet that is undeniable. 4.5 pretzels (Old Loves Die Hard!)