IM SIEL

Another fascinating debut longplay creation really, I'm immersed in. "Im Siel" was released in the beginning of 2022 by a German well-sharpened experienced combo GIANT HEDGEHOG (formed in 2009) as their debut full-length album following two eps. The sleeve pic gives us an impression of a darkside of the world like the current pandemic situation but please look at the hedgehog's appearance and we should get relieved by his playful, charming behaviour in it. Of course, we can get to a kind of similar mysterious optimism to the pic by the four Hedgehogs' wonderful opus.

The prologue "Gemurmel Aus Dem Brunnen" (murmur from the well in English) is a pretty promising one. The audience can be absorbed by their slowtempo, chamber-y atmosphere launched especially via precision techniques by the rhythm section - Patrick and Moritz. And such offensive King Crimson-like sound anchors are crucial really. Magnificent developments of guitar and saxophone are tremendous too. The last long queue of instrumental bigbangs notifies us what they want to do and what they should do for the current progressive rock scene. The titled track is sorta theatrical come-and-go drama of avantgarde rock. The former bright uptempo melody lines and rhythmic bases encourage us along with full of complex but acceptable beats. The middle part consists of melodic weirdness and rhythmic quirkiness close to somewhat critical, sarcastic phases. However, we cannot feel catastrophic via this weirdness but enchanting through their intensive positivity and enthusiasm for 'progressive delight', that leave comfort and possibility for the listeners. Excellent masterpiece.

"Lunas Bank" is the shortest song in this album but plenty of their fantastic essence can be heard here and there. The topnote created by Niklas' acoustic guitar is pretty smooth and silky. Wondering if only I can be reminded of German Trocken Riesling-based wine by this fruity texture. The middle-latter part possesses deeply strong tastes filled with cool, edgy sound potential. The very last guitar choppin' makes us cry. Kinda moment we feel happy. "Damals Am Teiche" involves vibrant psychedelic moments and heavy knife-edged passions. Stella's sensitive chorus and the aftertaste by drumming are also gorgeous. The last "Einkehr", another brilliant track, is quite suitable for the epilogue of this dark production. Thomas' calm and lyrical saxophone playing in the first attack should stabilize the audience. But their massive waves are strong. Repetitive heavy sound explosions by the four instruments are ultimately impressive. Complicated melodic patterns but such a sincere musical stream around the mainline can cool us down. Who does not complete listening to this album with a hearty, fresh feeling?