OPAL

For the most part I would describe this record as having a strong 60's psychedelia flavour to it. There is some Free Jazz, and of course this is Krautrock all the way. Cool to see Roberto Detree playing his motocello on this one. He would go on to play in the band BETWEEN. There are 2 bonus tracks which were recorded around the same as the album, but there is a different bass player on it. His name is Lothar Meid, he would go on to play on PASSPORT's debut as well as on the "Live In London" release by AMON DUUL II from 1973. The second bonus track is over 26 minutes long and is really a Free Jazz jam. It is quite good with the sax leading the way throughout.

"Opal" is very 60's sounding with almost whispered vocals. The bass is prominant and I really like the guitar solo that goes on and on. This is my least favourite track. "You Don't Know What's Happening" is sort of a mysterious track with violin that helps give that mood. He yells the vocals at times and at other times they're psychedelic sounding, almost like they echo. Cool tune. "Revolution" opens with an uptempo guitar/bass/drum melody. Sax comes in replacing the guitar. Love that part. The tempo keeps shifting back and forth. Nice drumming.

"Glockendspiel" has the bass and drums as it's base as the sax offers up some dissonant and melodic sax melodies over top. Very impressive instrumental. "Got No Time" is a short spacey tune. "Call" is a great sounding song with prominant sax. Again the drums and bass shine. Some excellent guitar as well. "End Of A Soul" features spoken words about a soul being dead. It's kind of humerous. The music is outstanding in the background. "People From Out The Space" opens with some atmosphere before we get a melody a minute in. The sax, drums and bass stand out. Great sound 2 minutes in. A guitar solo before 3 minutes. Violin a minute later. The sax is back and it sounds amazing 7 minutes in.

A significant album in it's day that stands up very well after all these years. A low 4 stars.