FOREST MIRROR

Since way back in 1995 the band KILLFLAVOUR stands for a mostly instrumental blend of post, space and kraut rock. This provided with a somewhat dark-mooded flair and mystical flow, in parts similar to other German acts like Electric Orange, Space Invaders, Weltraum, Knall. They all are stepping up with the same approach, maybe tradition if you will. Aiming to offer live in the studio recordings, which are absolutely unique, while intuitively played and therefore capturing quite an unrepeatable occasion. So this album was taken in spring 2016 and mastered with vintage analogue equipment. Concerning the current line up the band is comprised of the surviving Uwe Kartes on guitar, drummer Marc Schönwald and Manuel Stuhlsatz (synths).

Alexander Britz is new to the crew, appearing with some unconventional or even strange vocals, featuring references to ... eh, I would say Damo Suzuki and Jim Morrison maybe. Thus, surprise, a regular bass guitar is missing here. Not a big problem though. And then suddenly the band even sees former member Ulrich Steffens returning back, but this happened after the recordings were already made. Now according to the cover art as well - the eye of the wolf (nope, not the tiger!) - with reason they themselves are calling this style 'darkkraut' which is related to a touch with nature. And building upon a tribal-flavoured In But Not Of This World it's processing like a crawl somehow. The drum playing comes motoric, partially minimalistic, this undoubtedly provided with intent.

The tracks are gradually taking shape, it's certainly hypnotic, maybe you can call it dreamy too, and they basically are variating with care. Hiding Nature is more focussed on the synthesizer hereby, due to exotic bird calls and some soloing activity. The extended Word As Shape evolves to the album highlight then, while featuring a special melancholic atmosphere, more dynamics and a gripping flow overall. Uwe Kartes sensitive guitar delivers a sophisticated mix of space and post, turns out to be an important trademark again. While counting in those special vocals 'Forest Mirror' is quite an unique affair, though a grower too, which definitely needs to invest some time - 3.5 stars.