43 MINUTEN

OS MUNDI were one of the first Rock bands to come out of Berlin, Germany. Their debut was really their "Rock" version of the "Classical" catholic mass with Latin lyrics that didn't go over well commercially speaking. For this their second record they changed labels and Conny Plank came in to produce, mix and engineer it. In fact in the liner notes they say: "We also owe a great debt of gratitude to our producer Conny Plank, who...became something like the band's father. His influence is clear for everyone to hear when listening to the songs". They brought in a Free Jazz sax / flute player as well on this one. So we get a blend of Jazz, Rock and Fusion. I have to say that this is a great album. It's hard to believe that this album was recorded in one take.

"A Question Of Decision" was apparently one of their favourites to play live and they would often extend it to 15 minutes. It opens with raw guitar as sax joins in with drums. Vocals before a minute. It settles with percussion before 2 minutes as the vocals stop. Guitar and drums join in as they jam. It kicks in after 5 minutes with flute before settling right down with flute. Vocals and the original melody end it. "Triple" really reminds me of VDGG with the vocals, sax and overall sound when it kicks in. Cello after 2 minutes as it settles.The flute comes and goes.That VDGG section is back late. "Missle" opens with a good beat, cello and prominant guitar. Great sound, vocal melodies too. Cool track. It turns powerful late. "It's All There" is a top three for me. Organ and a beat to open as flute then vocals join in. I just love how this sounds, especially the chorus. Cello comes in later. "Isn't It Beautiful 7/8" is a catchy instrumental with drums, percussion, congas, cello and sax.

"But Reality Will Show" is another top three tune. It really reminds me of LANDBERK to open. It settles before a minute with cello then reserved vocals come in. It's building as vocals become more passionate in this anti-war song. The intro melody returns after 3 minutes. Nice. The guitar slowly and tastefully plays a minute later. The vocals cry out after 5 1/2 minutes. Cello late. What a song ! "Children's Games" is another anti-war tune and my final top three track. It opens heavily with guitar, drums and vocal melodies. Vocals come in as it settles somewhat. The guitar starts to light it up as vocal melodies come and go. Sax before 2 minutes as themes are repeated.They then jam with flute and percussion. The tempo picks up 5 1/2 minutes in then it turns psychedelic before kicking in again. Earlier themes return. "Erstickubungen" is jazzy with lots of flute and drums to open. It settles after 1 1/2 minutes with cello. Kicks back in before 3 minutes with sax then the guitar starts to rip it up. "Fortsetzun Folgt" is a short instrumental with Conny Plank playing some guitar.

I highly recommended this hidden treasure from 1972. My kind of music.