WOLF CITY

This album, along with Carnival In Babylon, is the apex of Amon Duul's musical achievements. Anyone who has visited Kathmandu would really appreciate this album, the perfect soundtrack to walking through the bazaars and alleyways of the old city. The sheer wealth of imagination is breathtaking, as they mix some truly diverse elements into a unique and instantly recognisable style.

The textures and soundscapes maintain interest over the whole album, as songs change gears effortlessly. The band had a wonderful fusion of influences at this stage of their career, touching upon psychedelia, gypsy music, rock and progressive inclinations, with lyrics shrouded in obscure mysticism. It sounds dreadfully pretentious on paper, but listening to it is a sublime experience. The album has two of the band's most lyrical moments.Firstly, Wie Der Wind Am Ende Einer Strasse (like the wind at the end of a street), with it's gorgeous, haunting synthesizer and violin refrains layered over a subcontinental tabla and drone effect. Secondly, Sleepwalker's Timeless Bridge, with it's appealing violin and guitar melodies. The final deeply layered synth chords are a perfect way to end this amazing album.

Granted, Renate Knaupp's vocals do take some getting used to, but I'm glad she was there to stamp her individual style on the first two numbers in particular. A classic album.