IBIS

There once was this Swedish band called VILDKAKTUS who released three studio albums before the core of that band formed this new one called IBIS where they went more into that Jazz Rock direction. The previous band was a mix of styles apparently of mostly Folk, Jazz and Rock. IBIS were a four piece releasing this debut in 1974 then one more in1980 which I haven't heard. We get guitar, drums, bass and piano with the key here being the ring modulator used by the keyboardist to great affect. It turns that piano sound into Canterbury distortion and it's awesome.

My top two are the two long pieces both around 12 minutes in length but that short 1 1/2 minute opener is a mellow and atmospheric tune with light guitar, piano and bass. It's that second track where we get those distorted keys for the first time on the record. Some short songs on here but lets talk about those two lengthy tracks beginning with "Remrus Selegra". It opens with an energetic drums solo before settling into an electric piano led groove. Guitar and distorted keys follow. Very jazzy around 3 minutes then experimental a minute later. Themes are repeated.

The other long track is "Otter Och Vaster" and it's surprisingly heavy with the guitar grinding away. Nasty stuff then drums only before heavy guitar, distorted keys and more returns. It will stay relaxed with electric piano leading then it kicks in with guitar around 6 minutes as he lights it up, then distorted keys join in replacing the guitar before 7 minutes. Drum solo them more aggressive guitar. The closer is a spacey one at 4 minutes.

I'm not going more than 4 stars here but man this is a really impressive release and I couldn't help but think of COS who also used that ring modulator as well. This is really close to being in that upper echelon of my Jazz and related music but they lose me on some of the shorter tracks.