EISZEIT

Berlin and Germany all, are characterized by a typical geographic meaning. It could be recognized for the great philosophical current of '700 (Sturm und Drang), for a series of characters around its history as Hegel, Karl Marx, Heinstein, Wagner, Nietzsche, Shopenhauer, for the Second World War, ect... But surely it must be remembered now and in future for Krautrock, expression of the rebirth from the post-war period.

From the great cultural ferment that was rising all over the world, in Berlin some intellectual artists and bands, with a sound never heard, faced to the music of those years. In a whirl of new ideas stands out overbearingly Günter Schickert, an artist often forgotten which has been great innovator especially for guitar echo. In the first half of 70s Schickert initiates GAM project forming an unusual band with another guitarist Axel Struck and the percussionist Michael Leske. They released an album with the same name in 1976 (GAM, released on cassettes in 1986) and this "Eiszeit", unreleased album of 1978 and officially released in 2005. The result is "catatonic" band full of crazy ideas. Eiszeit is a Prog Gem obscure and hidden, made by hypnotic groves and dissonant melodies, classic Krautrock passages that could remember NEU, constant rhythms to galloping upon a "Wilde-eyed horse".

Here, but also in many German band, is possible to appreciate how Pink Floyd has been a centerpiece for the construction of this complex music. Surely Krautrock has got an identity, but Floydian brand and psychedelic era were simultaneous or even contemporary, so it was impossible not to be influenced.

The opening song is a psychedelic intro, simple but effective. It could remember "Set The Control For The Heart Of The Sun" or other "old" Pink Floyd songs. it could be simply confused by an inattentive ear. The example of the band sound is the second song "Sepp Oben Ich Unten", similar to other song "Wilderness", both characterized by echo guitar and constant drum on a psychedelic dark background. Maybe, or even certainly for who appreciate Krautrock, is the presence of two guitar without a bass guitar. This unusual choice has produced an innovative sound, in which it doesn't feel the lack of the bass guitar. The example is the song "Geige". Another innovative song is "Demons" with very dissonant vocals. Sometimes it seems to be into an Infernal Round with desperate sings of the residences. "Verlass Mich Nicht" sounds very Floydian "Obscured By Cloud" period with CAN reminders, holding anchored to reality with Schickert's guitar. The album ends with another example of their echo-guitar trademark, a piece very in line with that German sound, not very in line with period (it was 1978) but absolutely memorable.

For this kind of project GAM remind me another Krautrock band, "ASHRA" (on Prog Archives is considered Electronic) in which MANUEL GÖTTSCHING takes a new path from Ashra Tempel band, playing guitar in a similar way. A psychedelic echo from the end of 70s, that for a long time has been forgotten. The intellectual genius of Günter Schickert must be considered as a great artist. This is a classic Krautrock album to listen to loud music! It's so hard to assign 5 Stars to a Krautrock album. This is a kind of music to listen to with attention, with a free mind and for who is searching of cutting-edge sounds, despite we're talking about of a 70's album.

A journey into the universe of Kozmiche Muzik to see that it shines its light!

5 Stars - Necessary