STRAIGHT TO THE KRANKENHAUS

4.5 stars. SECRET OYSTER are a Jazz / Fusion band that in my opinion take a back seat to no one. Their first two albums and this one are brilliant. I was talking to Todd a couple of weeks ago and he said he was listening to this album and how great it was. So I made a mental note to review it and for once that note didn't get lost. The title of this album was an inside joke for the band. They used to tour Germany all cramped up in this van. Anyway, when they would be approaching a city there would always be a sign pointing out "Krankenhaus" (Hospital), the band would then shout out in unison "Straight to the krankenhaus !" then all start laughing. The album cover shows the band's sense of humour as well. The music though is serious shit.

"Lindance" opens with drums and some powerful outbursts as it settles in with organ. "Straight To The Krankenhaus" has such an amazing, amazing intro ! It's so moving with the pulsating keys and synths. It settles in with sax and bass then the guitar lights it up. "My Second Hand Rose" opens with some lazy sax melodies then the bass and drums join in. Beautiful guitar before 2 1/2 minutes takes the lead from the sax. The sax returns a minute later. A gorgeous and moving track. "High Luminant Silver Patters" opens with keys and drums as synths roll in then sax. Electric piano before 1 1/2 minutes then guitar a minute later. Incredible ! "Delveaux" features synths and bass with lots of atmosphere. Sax after 2 minutes. It settles after 4 1/2 minutes as the guitar plays tastefully.The sax is back then the keyboards lead.

"Stalled Angel" has this funky intro where the drumming and bass sound great. It changes as it settles, then the funk returns as contrasts continue. The guitar sounds so good later on. "Rubber Star" is eventually led by sax then we get this CAMEL ("Moonmadness") flavour that comes and goes. Great sound. These closing two tracks are mind blowing. "Traffic & Elephants" opens with the sounds of bass, drums, keys, sax etc. that are building. Just a great sound. This is intense and oh so good. "Leda & The Dog" sounds like MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA with all that atmosphere and your just waiting for them to break out. Guitar after 1 1/2 minutes as the atmosphere continues. A change after 2 1/2 minutes as the atmosphere leaves and the drums and guitar lead. Fantastic ! And so moving.

A must for Jazz / Fusion fans.