MARBURG

3.5 stars. I really wanted to love this album but I just have too many issues with it including the vocals which are the biggest negative for me. These guys were from Marburg, Germany and this is their debut released in 1972.

"Clown And The Queen" is such a good track where everything falls into place perfectly. This song is proof that he can sing well, just not when he tries to sing out of his zone. The beginning is so good with the guitar and organ standing out on this catchy track. The instrumental sections are heavenly. Man this song just hooked me in but it's all downhill from here folks. "Moldau" opens with the sound of running water and the birds singing as the flute comes in. The flute stops as the organ and drums come in and build slowly. Violin is added around 2 minutes in and it will dominate the sound here. It's okay and i'm not big into classical music which is the direction it takes late.

"Friend" might be my least favourite with those vocals that seem to be double tracked and yelling the words. The last 2 minutes are the best part of the song as we get a powerful instrumental section with ripping guitar. "City Monster" is vocal and violin led and it's okay. "Alone" ends it with an almost avant intro with each member seemingly playing whatever they feel like. It's a cool section, then they settle in with a fairly intense section but the vocals aren't the best that's for sure. It settles in with the violin leading before 2 minutes and the vocals settle back too thankfully.

Most feel that this is PELL MELL's best and while I am impressed with the music for the most part, I would like this much more if the vocals and violin were both scaled way back.