GROBSCHNITT

The first Grobschnitt was a different, heavier ensemble than the band that would record the popular "Rockpommel's Land" a half decade down the road. Unlike the textbook Symphonic Prog of that later album, their debut LP was closer to Floydian Space Rock, but it was Space Rock in low Earth orbit at best, never quite achieving the impetus or elevation needed to break free of its own gravitational tug.

In other words, don't expect to find any "Solar Music" here, although you might discern a hint of the band's trademark jam cycle on occasion. A flare or two erupts in the Dave Gilmour-like guitar runs of Gerd-Otto Kühn (alias Lupo), notably during the slow but powerful Variation and Finale sections of the 13-plus minute "Symphony". And the epic Old Testament parable of "Sun Trip" shares even more DNA with the "Solar Music" suite, but only in a very embryonic form, not unlike a hastily molded, rough clay model of a proposed future masterpiece.

At this early stage of their career the line-up was still uncertain. The album lacked the more delicate touch of keyboard player Volker Kahrs (aka Mist, who would join the band for their second studio album in 1974), and the valiant efforts of percussionist / clown Joachim Ehrig (Eroc) were diluted by the superfluous addition of a second drummer.

The emphasis is tilted instead toward Lupo's electric guitar machismo, although I'm guessing the obvious Santana parallels (best heard in the song "Travelling") were coincidental. The similarities are even noted in the CD-reissue booklet, but no direct influence is claimed.

Either way it's a strong first effort, from a young band still trying to find its stylistic feet. Even better, the vaudeville buffoonery of their stage shows was kept (mostly) in check, giving listeners a rare glimpse of what could have been an alternative, less irreverent Grobschnitt.