FROB

Folks have been apt to point out that, despite being a mid-70s band hailing from Germany, they are indeed not so much of the kosmische [Musik] persuasion of Krautrock. Perhaps there is a tie to this scene in their ability to jam, and yet, this is more the Jazz Rock of the time and of contemporaries such as Out of Focus and Secret Oyster (of Denmark). There's some space-out moments, for sure, but this is in no way a reflection of the aforementioned German Space Rock scene.

And the opener, "Wassertropfen", is an excellent Jazz Rock jam, driven by electric keys and a grooving rhythm. Ever driving forward this'n. Up next is the funky "Spaces", with groovy drums and walking bass. It picks up with fullness in the keys and the guitar. It is flying! It really is amazing how much they are filling these so-called spaces. This has one of the previously mentioned "space-out moments". It's got a certain intensity, even in its quietest sections. I think, really, the only thing that is wanting is the mix. Much feels very distant, though not necessarily unbalanced. We know what we're here for: groove and jam.

Up next, "Calypso" is reaching out and grabbing me. Once again, talk about tension. The keyboards roll around in a whirlwind, backed by the driving rhythm section. This song features a pretty nice guitar solo, yet I just wish it were louder. Then it's the spacy "Spheres". This one has more organ featured over a low and slow groove. It's a little wonky, but to really excellent effect. Compositionally, a tad wanting for me, but nothing too too serious considering this is sub-4 minutes. Nächste, we have the guitar-driven "Flash" [I'm assuming not in some way referencing the Yes-offshoot of the same name]. The bass throughout the whole is just blazing fast, caught in whatever groove the song calls for. It's impressive, to say the least. "Flash" is effectively an extended guitar solo over its entire 4 minutes [I know there are more talented guitarists in the world than Peter Banks. You get it haha].

In for some more rhythmic queerness, "Locomotive" is next. It's pretty cacophonous. Quite a feat given the "normal" size of this band haha. The cacophony drops away after minute 3 to a sweeter, slower groove (that gets slower?). Regardless, a wild ride. And then, just as the name implies, it is "Hektik". Keys and guitar clash with the drums, crashing wildly in the fastest manner possible. And then finally, we have a guitar solo that is mixed loud enough to truly appreciate! Really very cool. Great track. And finally finally, we have the lovely jam "La sieste". This has a solid groove and is a solo showcase, if anything. Even when they're jammy, it really is characteristic of their true Jazz Rock contemporaries (mentioned above), not identifiably Krautrock in nature. Pretty nice closer (with a really nice theme on its bookends). And a pretty solid album overall. Glad I got to hear it.

True Rate: 3.75/5.00