1910

HIGH WHEEL's history begins in late-80's ,when Wolfgang Hierl and Erich Kogler set themselves apart from the thrash metal scene and their band ''The Hammers'',searching for more melodic and refined musical paths.Their new project would never become true,if they hadn't met excellent drummer Uli Jenne and after a few rehearsals they decided to form officially a new progressive rock act.With the addition of Andreas Lobinger on keyboards their debut ''1910'' came out in 1993 as a private press,recorded at Tonstudio Rixner near Tegernnsee.

Nothing on this release reminds of a German band,no cosmic music,no obscure synths.HIGH WHEEL sound a lot like an American band influenced by the British giants of the past,close to the likes of AKACIA or GLASS HAMMER with a little GENTLE GIANT throw in for good measure.The album consists of four tracks and three of them are over 11 minutes!There are some beautiful multi-vocal harmonies blended with trully complicated and dark musicianship led by Lobinger's keyboards (like the magnificent and very atmospheric clavinet parts),that bring GENTLE GIANT to mind.Melody is also present through some good guitar passages and decent Hammond organ,something like a hybrid between CAMEL and YES.HIGH WHEEL are most of all a rock band,so expect to hear a few groovy yet progressive rock music,not far from what KANSAS offered two decades ago.A mixed bag of progressive tunes with a lot of space for developing ideas.A recommended album.