DREAMLAB

Shortly after the release of Mythos' debut Harald Weisse and Thomas Hildebrand left Kaske as the only remaining member.Hildebrand went on to join Metropolis and he was replaced by Michael Krantz, while Axel Bauer was the new drummer.This new formation, established in late 72', was prooved to be short-lived and Kaske revamped Mythos with newcomers Robby Luizaga on bass/acoustic guitar/Mellotron and Hans-Juergen Pluta on drums/percussion.Working for about a year on a new album, Mythos eventually returned in 1975 with ''Dreamlab'', a work released on Ohr's division label Kosmische Musik.

It couldn't be a better choice of a label with Mythos presenting a largely different sound than on their debut, stripped down from the evident Classical influences and leaning towards a folkier direction, always surrounded by the typical Kraut Rock rhythmic tones.This time the focus is on psychedelic experiments, hypnotic soundscapes and pastoral arrangements with acoustic/electric guitars in evidence and constant use of flutes, delivering smooth textures with poetic singing and trippy synthesizers, which are every now and then overpowered by an already familiar JETHRO TULL attitude, based on harder electric riffing.''Mythalgia'', which is also the longest track, appears to be the only evident link with the previous album, although coming in a much more cosmic enviroment, featuring a more pronounced Mellotron, fiery flute drives but also a stretched, psychedelic soundscape with synth effects, pastoral flutes and acoustic guitars after the middle.Unfortunately Mythos would never reach the absolute inspiration of their debut, as this one's missing the unpredictable twists and tension of ''Mythos''.''Dreamlab'' has also a stronger Kraut Rock vibe with a bit of a loose execution and an obvious sense of abnormality during its pieces with nonetheless some clever ideas on combining Psychedelic Rock, Folk Music and Kraut Rock.

Nowhere near the monumental debut of the band.But this does not mean that ''Dreamlab'' is far from satisfying.It's well-played Kraut/Psychedelic Rock with powerful flute work and nice electroacoustic moments, not to mention Kaske's original voice.Recommended.