SICHER

SICHER were a Swiss band who released this lone album back in 1981. They were an eight piece band including flute, sax and cello and the music here is all-instrumental. Without question this is Symphonic music and while it is enjoyable at times I do find it a little too predictable and safe for my liking. I'm actually surprised that this did grow on me a little but I also feel that every song seems to continue with the same melody but then change the lead instrument a few times throughout it. Just not a pattern or style I'm able to appreciate I suppose.

"Sicher" is pleasant like most of these songs with flute playing over top. Pulsating organ as well as sax joins in before 1 1/2 minutes. A calm a minute later then it kicks back in but with cello this time. The flute continues to play over top then the piano leads the way around 4 1/2 minutes. A familiar melody arrives around 5 minutes, and I must say I hear familiar Pop melodies a few times on this album. "Komm- Eini" has a catchy melody with synths making some noise over top. The flute replaces the synths quickly in this uptempo tune. Lots of percussion as well. It turns spacey 1 1/2 minutes in and this is my favourite moment on the album. Cello 2 1/2 minutes in as the flute and bass continue then back to the flute, percussion and bass section.

"De Scheiss" opens with guitar, synths and drums but it builds quickly with sax, cello and more. Some excellent prominent bass before 2 1/2 minutes. "Z'Fribourg" opens with some dramatic piano but it settles as flute, cello and more join in. Lots of piano though especially after 4 minutes including a STONES-like section. "Tocatta" is an organ led Classical sounding piece with the flute and cello helping out as well. Check out the bass before 3 1/2 minutes but it's brief. "Stuck Fur's V" calms right down a minute in before building. Flute and cello join in before 2 minutes as the organ and drums continue. The picked guitar before 4 1/2 minutes sounds interesting but out of place. Sax after 5 minutes then the synths come to the fore followed by cello. "Mireille" features organ to start as the drums and cello join in. This is a catchy organ driven song. "Still Werde" is a nice and pleasant closer with flute leading the way but there's lots going on. Organ ends it.

This is highly rated by most so you might want to consider that. I can give this 3.5 stars but I honestly am fine with not hearing this again as my enjoyment factor was pretty low despite the excellent musicianship.