EMBRYO'S REISE

The first six EMBRYO albums are all classics in my opinion but many add this one to the list and for good reason. Released later (1979) it's a unique album in their catalogue in that it is the product of their (including families) voyage (riese) to Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.They would play with local musicians on their travels and of course record it. Check out the list of guest musicians and especially the names of some of these instruments many of which i've never even heard of. Some great pictures in the liner notes, in fact there was even a film of this whole journey which is difficult to find apparently.This cd version is missing three tracks that the double LP originally had as the master tapes were apparently damaged. Still we get about 72 minutes of music and perhaps the best example i've heard of East meets West when it comes to music. OUT OF FOCUS guitarist Remigius Drexler helps out as does MISSUS BEASTLY's Josch Friedemen on flute.This was recorded between September / 78 and May / 79. I should mention that the RYM site has this rated as the best EMBRYO album followed by "Rocksession" while Gnosis has this rated fifth with "Steig Aus" and "Rocksession" taking the top two places.

"Strasse Nach Asien" or "Road To India" is the best track in my opinion. Flute-like sounds to start then percussion and atmosphere before the drums join in.Guitar and bass follow. I like this ! Vocals before 2 minutes. It settles before 5 1/2 minutes.This is cool too. It picks back up at 7 1/2 minutes with piano, violin and more.

"Lost Scooters" has reserved vocals and a mellow sound.Violin comes in then female vocal melodies. It picks up with male vocals. "Anar Anar" is very Eastern sounding with a flute-like instrument, percussion and a string-like instrument.

"Es Ist Wie's Ist" opens with a conversation including laughing. The music kicks in around 1 1/2 minutes.This is HAWKWIND-like with abrasive guitar and fast paced vocals and drumming. It settles late. "Kurdistan" is all about the beat. Aggressive guitar around a minute. I like it !

"Far East" has percussion and more then vocals before a minute. Spoken words before 3 minutes then the piano joins in.Vocal melodies a minute later. Cool stuff. "Chan Delawar Khan" is my least favourite simply because this sounds like a Middle-Easern song with no Western leanings at all.

"Farid" kicks in with percussion a minute in. Flute and other sounds too. It sounds like vibes after 2 minutes and later. We get a percussion solo after 8 minutes.

"Cello, Cello" reminds me of CAN with that shuffling rhythm. Female vocals come in after 1 1/2 minutes and she really impresses me. "Rog De Quadamuna Achna" is very Middle-Eastern but is catchy. Fast paced percussion comes in at 5 minutes.

"Hymalaya Radio" ends it in a similar manner as the previous track.

Some hits and misses for sure but this really comes off as a voyage to another land where the temps are hot with plenty of desert and camels.