TANZ DER LEMMINGE [AKA: DANCE OF THE LEMMINGS]

Tanz Der Lemminge, Amon Duul II's third studio album, shows another stage in the band's constant motion. Gradually moving towards a more tightly structured approach on an album like Wolf City, Tanz Der Lemminge might feel slightly more accesible than earlier releases, though at the same time it probably is Amon Duul II's most complex album. In fact, the band didn't perform all the pieces of this album on the subsequent tour for this particular reason.

Most notable to the new sound of the band are some changes in the line-up. The most unfortunate exclusion to me is Renate Knaup, only having a short guest vocal performance. Bassist Lothar Meid however, is an excellent new addition to the band and proves to play an important part in Amon Duul II's distinctive sound with his open style of bass playing. The music itself is ambitious, featuring two epic suites and an improvisational soundtrack for some obscure film. Opening the album is "Syntelman's March Of The Roaring Seventies", a very distinctive Amon Duul II piece, having a psychedelic feel with folky tendencies. It's a highly complicated piece, featuring very frequent changes, lots of instrumental passages, and an overall rich and layered feel.

What's marking the progression of Amon Duul II's sound even more so is "Restless Skyline- Transistor-Child", which is rather a collection of riffs and short songs than your typical suite. The individual parts here vary from ethnic and mellotron driven to fierce and heavy riffs. With some of the transitions between parts being very unexpected and sudden, I can imagine "Restless Skyline-Transistor-Child" might sound a bit incoherent to some. However, I myself enjoy its somewhat loose approach. The improvisational pieces that cover up the second disc vary from the heavy rock of "Chewinggum Telegram" and "Stumbling Over Melted Moonlight" to the atmospheric cosmic journey that is "The Marilyn Monroe-Memorial- Church", taking you to Jupiter and back again in only 18 minutes.

Ultimately, I find Tanz Der Lemminge to be a brilliant album and perhaps even the very best in Amon Duul II's career. It might not attract everybody, but I would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy improvisation, psychedelica and an open sound including broad influences. I consider Tanz Der Lemminge to be a masterpiece without a doubt.