German folk prog

   With their second (and unfortunately last) album, Parzival is scoring a perfect pair that not even countrywoman Claudia’s would never even reach to that level. The group has expanded to a quintet and even a sextet by now and this clearly let more freedom to Walter Quintus to switch from strings to keys. Again this album is produced by professional giant Conny Plank.

Again oddly enough, the CD album starts with a bonus track (the B-side from same single as on the first album CD version) but clearly the track is not quite as superb even if it has choir in it. The overall feeling of the album is clearly more towards a rockier sound, as experienced on the short Celtic track stories. Lenghty track Black Train reaches more in psych and prog moods and it has some astounding moments reminding you of a cross of ELO and The Trees (yes, that good;-) and finding its end only in chaos. Following Mrs Virgin has singing between family’s Chapman and VDGG’s Hammill. The album’s title is an apt one because the mood is definitely more baroque in here as can be seen by the strange (and slightly gothic but orgiastic) Frank Supper, but another peak is reached with the uncanny Scarlet Horses which contrast starkly with the previous two tracks yet has you begging for it not to end. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, the very aptly-titled It’s A Pity, is just that (well not that bad, either but the pun was worth it;-), quickly offset with another superb track Thought, built in its start a bit like Eleanor Rigby, but quickly building into a wild flute jam before suddenly jumping into a slow but delightful Ritournelle and off to a devilishly fast ending: flabbergasting!!!! The lenghty Paradise is yet another outstanding moment and would be THE highlight on almost any other album from some other group, but here it is just another track. When abundance is a problem…. lol

The two bonus demo tracks (this time from 70) compared to the first album’s bonus tracks are much more in phase with the album they are included in, and are of great added value and do almost not have that demo edge.

Overall this second album is not quite as perfect as the debut, but maybe more inventive and certainly just as essential. In its craziness, this might only be topped by Comus, Jan Dukes De Grey and the superb debut of Tea & Symphony’s Asylum For The Musically Insane. Another must in the realm of Folk Prog.

I have heard these:

 

Carol Of Harvest Really haunting beautiful melodies. The strong emotions draw it towards psych.

Emtidi>> Saat has two long suites, and the analog synth stuff should make this also an interesting pick for those interested of vintage electronic music. Quite hazy stuff, but sincere. Their first album wasn't very good.

 

Edit: POPOL VUH:s "Aguirre" is maybe bit like an Inca version of "Saat", vintage analog keyboard stuff mixed with local folk music in a psychedelic manner?  RUFUS ZUPHALL introduced me to German underground music, my favourite bands!

 

hahahaha, i love these kinds of posts

 

Aaron

 

I will update the Emma Myldenberger albums that have gotten a recent re-issue ob Garden Of Delight label.

 

Yup Avalon is slightly folky, but it was never released as the band was alive...

 

 

 

You won't be sorry for most of these folk prog bands are awesome.

 

IMHO, Germany only comes second to England (or UK) and slightly ahead of France in terms of referrences for 70's Folk Prog.

 

Strangely enough, nowadays, theUS make the most interesting folkprog around.