FROB

Although hailing from Rheda-Wiedenbrück nearby my hometown I can't remember them. Well ... probably this applies only to the bandname. However - the music sounds familiar to me, hence it's quite possible indeed that I saw them live once in the 70s. This album can be counted among the german jazz rock/fusion output which is going adrift from krautrock - similar to bands like Embryo or the later Missus Beastly at the same time.

There are significant differences to those bands on the other hand - at first FROB's classic instrumentation which excludes ethno percussion and wind instruments. Philippe Gaillant's style is variable - he often gets close to fusion guitarists like John Scofield or Allan Holdsworth but also shows some acid psych moments. And then you will find an extraordinary organ/piano work by Peter Schmits which contributes some sophisticated feeling to the sound. The songs were recorded during Winter 1975/76 in South France for a self-released LP with a limited edition of 1000 copies only - not difficult to imagine that they are sought-after items nowadays.

The music is instrumental and they use a mixture of german and english song titles - Wassertropfen is a fine introduction to the album. They start very Camel alike but then the song develops to a jazz rock improvisation with typical characteristics - the busy propelling drums and a repetitve slightly varying bass line are the fundament. Maybe I should also mention the organ. Gaillant and Schmits are additionally alternating with guitar and piano solo contributions. This reminds me much of the bands Helmet Of Gnats and Isotope.

Basically the following tracks evolve in the same way spiked with some symphonic impressions here and there and changing time signatures, break and turns - really entertaining fourty minutes from a band in a genial mood. Due to the Garden Of Delights label this gem is re-issued on CD, an insiders' tip so to say. Fans of genuine Krautrock should be careful though. Recommended to jazz rock/fusion fans at first who are interested in stuff which is off the beaten path - for example from the aforementioned bands as well as Extra Ball or Cyklus.