ALL

Fourth spin in two days!

Delightful work by this hardly known German band. It's not common experience for me, but this is an album that hits the spot immediately. To the point that I could leave it on endless repeat.

Different genres are effortlessly transcended here. A bit of Psychedelic, Stoner-Rock, Grunge, Jamming in a package that pleases immensely. Leaves me feeling as if I just dropped in on friends who happen to be great musicians having some fun. Or in other words, one of the best garage bands I can recall and I don't mean it as a put down.

The distortion pedal, some feedback is applied in a sensible way, creating great sound without any hint of Metal, or Heavy-Rock. The bass is also using much distortion to the effect of a thunderous, yet non-aggressive bottom line. The keys add some colour, but not used as lead instruments. Some noodling here and there wouldn't be missed, but not really disturbing either.

The whole delivery is very carefree and relaxed, no sign of struggling here, only pure fun. And it works really well. Long pieces with some structure that still permit a lot of stretching out provide a nice balance.

Comparisons here would be rather futile, but let me say this. I am left with the impression as if Randy California, Frank Marino along with Mel Schacker (Grand Funk) had dropped in on Gong on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The end result is honest, heartfelt, pure fun!

It may never be considered a carefully arranged Prog masterpiece, but for the enjoyment I derived from this recording, a solid 4 is appropriate.

Colour Haze is a retro psychedelic rock with a very loose feeling not being afraid to jam to extended minutes. Yes, feeling is the right word, for you will look for advanced hooks and compositions in vain. Playing is mature and tasty, be it raw or mellow. Naturally, the sound is guitar/bass/drum based but thankfully, there are also nice additions of piano or Hammond. Acoustic playing and world music is no mystery as demonstrated on "Stars" including sitar but they largely stick to instrumental distorted guitars and heavy drumming. The vocal is quite unmemorable unlike instruments. With 65 minutes, the album may be dragging on for a tad too long but if you're for an atmosphere or dancing and not dedicated listening, go for it.