SOLAR MUSIC - LIVE

Grobschnitt is a German progressive rock band from the seventies that wasn't quite psychedelic enough to be considered a krautrock group, though the band shares some comedic and hardrock traits with a band like Guru Guru. After a latin (hard)rock influenced debut and a double LP 'Ballerman' with two sides filled with space rock (Solar Music parts 1 & 2) the band would grow towards a symphonic prog group on records like 'Jumbo' and - my favorite - 'Rockpommel's Land' (from 1977). On this live-set released on 1978 the band returned to its 'Solar Music' suite which has some predestined structure (chord patterns, melodies, rhythms), but could be lengthened with extended jamming - which the band would continue to do for the rest of their career. Hence 'The History of Solar Music' releases. On this 1978 release the band has an amazing sound, with double heavy metal guitars (in the vain of UFO) and beautiful broad-sounding synths. The opening track with vocals is a bid of a dud - I guess it was a vehicle for some stage act - but the rest of the album is 45 minutes of uninterrupted instrumental light-hearted (symphonic) space rock goodness. Of all progressive live albums of the seventies this album is often mentioned as one of the very best, and I find that notation to be very agreeable. With a perfect recording sound (also on the original LP), some strong mood switches (excitement, danger, melancholy, relaxing), great twin-guitar interplay and a well planned overal structure this live-set is sure to make a good impression. Sadly this would prove to be the last strong release of the band fore decades to come.