KÄNGURU

Things have changed on GURU GURU's third album as they have made four fairly structured compositions.The experimental improvs are held in check (for the most part) for the first time. Mani is of course the undisputed leader and drummer of this band and he lays down some great rhythmic gooves as usual. Guitarist Ax Genrich continues with his Hendrix inspired guitar work. He mentions in the liner notes that everytime he thought he discovered something "new" with his guitar, he would later find Hendrix had already done it. Hendrix was obviously his hero. Conny Plank helped the band produce this album and added some keys and guitar as well.

"Oxymoron" takes a minute for this to really get going as vocals join in. The guitar before 3 minutes lights it up. It settles back at 4 1/2 minutes before some intensity returns before 6 minutes. The tempo continues to change. Check out the guitar and drums before 7 minutes ! The song ends as it began. "Immer Lustig" opens with spoken German words before the drums come pounding in with guitar and bass in tow. We're trippin' now after 1 1/2 minutes as it settles somewhat. Love the guitar 3 minutes in. Just a great sound overall. Psychedelic vocals after 5 1/2 minutes before a change in the sound follows. Nice bass. It calms right down until the beat stops completely after 9 minutes. Then it starts to rebuild with drums leading the way. Guitar comes in after 12 1/2 minutes and he starts to rip it up.

"Baby Cake Walk" has a nice heavy sound right away. Some great bass lines here. Vocals 2 minutes in. It changes after 4 1/2 minutes to a psychedelic calm. It kicks back in before 7 minutes. More excellent sounding guitar after 9 minutes. Big finish. "Ooga Booga" features percussion and vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. More energy before 3 1/2 minutes and the guitar is more prominant. Nice. Vocals and a change 5 1/2 minutes in.This is catchy. The guitar before 9 1/2 minutes is fantastic right to the end.

A very amazing band who have three very different sounding albums in "Ufo", "Kanguru" and "Dance Of The Flames" that are all must haves.