VIDUNDERLIGE KÆLLING [AKA: ASTARTE]

The double title is because again this album came under different titles. The second part of the title is the unpronounceable name of the BALLET (?!?!) for which the music was created for. Coming with a particularly hideous naked "female" dancer as an artwork, Astarte is the only Secret Oyster album this writer has not picked from the newly remastered SO discography by the excellent Laser's Edge label, so it should give you an idea as how it sits with me. Apparently Astarte and Krakenhaus were recorded simultaneously and there were confusion as to which album they were working on a given night. If Astarte might give this impression, I don't think Krankenhaus actually suffered from this duality or schizophrenia

IMHO, this was a big failure at least certainly so, without seeing the full ballet. Although, the line-up is still the same classic one, they sound like they are trying too hard to sound inspired while not being at all. Many of the tracks are thematic regarding French "joie de vivre", but they sound too shallow, especially with the use/abuse of the Moog. Only one track stands out: Sirens. The rest is lame and tame especially if you know how hard they rock on other albums.

Many progheads will probably disagree with me talking of great reflective and contemplative moods and climates, but those are all lost on me. I think that the musicians sound bored and are not being able to express themselves as the ballet creative reins are too tight for their energy to spill out on wax.

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