GROBSCHNITT

One of the more successful bands to emerge from the 1970s German Krautrock scene, GROBSCHNITT (translates as "Rough Cut" in reference to a style of tobacco) formed in 1970 Hagen after Joachim Ehrig better known as Eroc left the imploded 60s psychedelic pop band The Crew. GROBSCNITT immediately set itself apart from the typical detachment and seriousness of German bands of the era by providing humorous sound effects and silly lyrics and would develop into one of the more symphonic leaning prog bands in the midst of the classic Krautrock scene.

The band was also notable for delivering exquisite live performances with pyrotechnics, German comedic sketches and quite lengthy live shows that often exceeded three hours thus earning them the reputation as one of the most resilient bands who possessed an amazing stamina. The band was formed in 1970 as an eight-piece band but whittled down to a six-piece that included Stefan Danielak "Wildschwein" (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Gerd-Otto Kühn "Lupo" (lead guitar), Hermann Quetting "Quecksilber" (organ, piano, spinet, percussion), Bernhard Uhlemann "Bär" (bass, flute, percussion), Joachim Ehrig "Eroc" (drums, percussion, electronic effects and Axel Harlos "Felix" (drums, percussion).

GROBSCHNITT released its eponymously titled debut in 1972 on the Brain Records label and exists as an anomaly in the band's canon as it would drift more into a symphonic sound that they are known for before taking a left turn into the New Deutsche Welle genre and pop rock sounds of the 80s. This debut featured the engineering talents of the hot and in demand Conny Plank as well as Frank Mille on production. While the majority of Krautrock bands were more interested in producing the farthest out there trips possible, GROBSCHNITT took on the characteristics of a typical English progressive rock band with an emphasis on exquisitely designed compositions that featured masterful instrumentation, riveting complexities and above all exciting melodic developments that were mined from traditional folk flavors as well as contemporary rock.

This debut was sung in English but featured a few spoken word German poetic prose moments. In the true spirit of progressive rock, the album featured two lengthy 10 minute plus multi-suite compositions that sandwiched two shorter tracks. The opening "Symphony" prognosticated the band's future developments that would take them further down the symphonic prog route and featured an intricate display of clever compositional fortitude that featured crafty instrumental interplay and best of all competent vocal performances of lead singer Stefan Danielak, a trait that wasn't always present in German prog of the era.

The twin guitar effect along with a tight-knit rhythm section and moments of folk oriented flute allowed the musical style to transcend the German scene's Kraut sensibilities and venture into King Crimson textures in conjunct with knotty and pastoral workouts in the vein of Yes, Genesis and other English bigwigs. Laced with beautiful compositional flow, rock star performances and the tightrope act between progressive complexities and melodic standard rock sensibilities, GROBSCHNITT quickly rose to the top of the Kraut heap and became one of West Germany's most popular bands during the 1970s.

The near 18-minute closing "Sun-Trip" is the cream of the crop on GROBSCHNITT's debut as it meanders through myriad musical styles that include folk, rock, funk and symphonic prog nurtured by sizzling guitar riffs and solos, powerful build ups that result in satisfying crescendos and best of all Danielak's strong emotive vocal performances, all of which conspired to make GROBSCHNITT's debut one of the strongest examples of Krautrock that actually focused on musical talent rather than psychedelic meanderings. That is not to say though that his album didn't adopt all those sound manipulations and fancy tricks that Krautrock was famous for, after all Conny Plank was in the house. No, it simply meant that they were used sparingly and in context to the compositional flow. Album #1 is one of the highlights of the entire German 70s. A must for all!