HÖLDERLINS TRAUM

An interesting electric folk band from Wuppertal,Hoelderlin were found in late 1970 by brothers Joachim and Christian von Grumbkow along with singer Nanny de Ruig,named after the lyric poet Friedrich Hoelderlin.A year later three more members join the band: Christian Noppeney (viola, guitar), Peter Käseberg (bass) and Michael Bruchmann (drums).In August 1971 they sign with OHR Musik and from early 1972 they begin wotking on their debut ''Hölderlins Traum''.

This is not a progressive folk album really,more of semi-electric Folk Rock with Psych and Prog twists.The opening cut is actually the most progressive track,excellent musicianship with backround mellotron,dynamic organ and riving flutes.The next few tracks are more in a Psychedelic Kraut/Folk realm,entirely acoustic with only the rhythm section showcasing a rock band,with impressive lyrical content,mainly by Nanny de Ruig and some good violin and cello work.Dynamics though are not absent,I would say the sound is often quite powerful for acoustic Folk Music.We have to wait till the end for a stunning number,the eponymous fusion- esque track,containing thrilling flutes backed by violin soloing,pounding percussion and a jazzy rhythm section.Great end!

''Hoelderlin's traum'' won't ever win a price for his ground-breaking music or be settled among the milestones of Folk Prog music in my books,but it definitely shows a band with talent,skills and lust for creating something innovative and challenging.3 solid stars,a great album for Electric Folk,Kraut Rock and Psychedelic Folk fans.