HOSIANNA MANTRA

'Hosianna Mantra' was the first release to feature a change of direction for Popol Vuh. Keyboardist Florian Fricke dispensed with his Moog Modular synthesizer, and concentrated on composing softer, dreamier and more spiritual music based around piano and harpsichord, and designed to be performed with (mainly) non-electric instruments, save for some nimble playing from guitarist Conny Veit. To top off this 'new direction', Fricke added the mesmerising voice of one Djong Yun. The overall feel is one that's closer to 'new age' (way before the term was actually coined) and only the trance-like qualities of 'Krautrock' remain. This is a highly enjoyable album, and a pleasant change of pace from the 'heavy-weights' within the prog world. On a curious note, this is yet another record to feature different cover-art from release to release.