BEE AS SUCH [AKA: DÜÜLIRIUM]

Don't know how it comes that they announce this album to be the first one since 28 years? Since 'Vortex' yes, but 'Nada Moonshine' from 1995 seems to be a valuable band album too methinks. Okay, never mind, probably they disregard it for personal reasons. Recorded in April 2009 at the Dreamscape Studios in Munich this one consists of four recordings, where the first three seem to be excerpts from way more extended sessions apparently. Originally it was planned to release this stuff on vinyl and CD too, but 'til today even the official cover art is missing, notified to be Falk Rogner's task on their official website.

One can argue if this is typical kraut rock as such, and their current style is not very close to what they've created in the 1970's. Though it's surely original and experimental, provided with some glowing avantgarde appeal. This predominantly due to the weird, unusual multilingual vocals and recitatives performed by Chris Karrer and Renate Knaup-Krötenschwanz. While the instrumental skills are still proper, this truely is amounting to the sensation here. The opening garagey Mambo La Libertad cannot catch me really, the following German menace Du Kommst Ins Heim shows Karrer playing his violin in a clean manner, a very ambitious song I must say, and you are faced with some improvised vocal acrobatics which are simply ... provoking? ... amazing?

For me it's the Psychedelic Suite which attracts attention basically, improvisation is the name of the game - and this comes closer to what I associate with Amon Düül 2. I mean the initial crawling behaviour decorated with violin and wonderful psychedelic guitars which are nicely swirling around. Renate alternates between German and English language, very expressive, I can smell the spirit. Somewhere in between this even sounds like they are losing control completely. What a blame though, aren't they experienced musicians? So what, all happens with intent, you know.

Currently only available per download from their website 'Bee As Such' is a very special attempt, not for everyone's taste - as for that they simply remain true to their principles. It only remains for me to add that the production is professionally recorded, technically flawless. And yes ... they still can stand on the stage! If you are looking for something really off the beaten path, check this out - 3.5 stars.