LIVE IN VIENNA

This is a superb live album from a band comprised of friends and collaborators around the widespread Embryo community. Bassist Maasl Maier for instance is also regularly touring with Marja Burchard, who already had some appearances on former KARABA studio albums. But of course she predominantly concentrates on continuing the Embryo story. In her own, quite distinguishable manner, though surely also in reminiscence to her father Christian, who unfortunately died in early 2018. Also aboard here are the other known band constants Louis Bankavs (guitar), Andreas Kainz (keyboards) and drummer Jakob Thun, all seasoned musicians.

The recordings were taken in Vienna, five selected tracks from a gig at the Aera Club. A typical live setting. The quartet delivers a lively parforce ride, totally instrumental and with appropriate jamming attitude. Solely the first song Ozmose comes adapted from a studio album. And so, I would imagine, the other four tracks are the result of improvisations, more or less. Or alternatively are representing the preliminary stage for a new studio album? Who knows? Eh, although not covered in dust for sure, this blatantly reminds me of the 'good old' wild and rampant days somehow.

The jazz rock/fusion roots are evident. And they are mixing this up with a strong dose of Canterbury and Psychedelic. The aforementioned album opener comes close to the 1970s Embryo on the stage sound, I was happy to experience often enough. Though it's unique anyhow, rather eclectic, far away from a copy-cat. The guitar and electric piano presence is obviously differing all the way through. The title of Bemmselbrühl finally forced me to launch some www search, but I'm sure this all are fantasy names. The more I'm coming back to this, the more I'm thrilled. Well, now it's good with the praise, please listen to this, at least when you're keen on the described approach. The vinyl version is available via Adansonia Records. 4.5 stars.