2ND

Agitation Free's 2nd continues their known extended lazy space jams. They toned down the Middle-Eastern influences and samples, but apart from that there isn't much difference with the debut. If you are looking for accessible and smoothly played psychedelic music with a light jazzy touch, then this album is a recommended stop.

What surprises me is that I prefer this album over the debut, despite the diminished Arabic influences of which I'm normally a huge fan. But somehow this album flows much better for me. It sounds fluent and inspired, and shows a band that has become very confident and relaxed about what they are doing. With First Communication, Laila and Haunted Island the album has some true standout moments. The other tracks can serve as nice background music while nursing the baby. Sure nothing that will trespass the comfort of your listening experience.

An improvement over the debut but I must say I keep preferring the more experimental acts in the instrumental Kraut rock field (such as Gila, Dzyan, Ash Ra Tempel). But this one can sure serve as a perfect introduction to Kraut-jam-rock. 3.5 stars, with one true highlight being First Comminucation.