AR4 [AKA: A. R. IV]

This is Achim Reichel's fourth album released in 1973. It's not as experimental or "out there" as his double album "Echo" but we do get a long lineup of musicians like we did on "Echo". This record is divided into two long suites.

The first suite is called "Vita" and it's divided into three tracks that blend into one another. "Cave Explorers And Birdmen" has this rhythm that eventually kicks in and builds. Vocals 4 1/2 minutes in but they don't hang around long as the band gets back to jammin'. It blends into "The Man In The Kidleather" where we get such a great sound as they continue to jam. It starts to settle back 7 1/2 minutes in and blends into "Thin Is The Skin Of Ecstacy" . It settles back quickly with guitar then that rhythm kicks in with recorder and vocals before a minute. It settles down after 4 minutes to a calm.

The second side long suite is called "Aqua" and the song is titled "Every Raindrop Longs For The Sea". Thunder and rain dominate the sound here as gentle guitar and recorder join in. The storm subsides before 2 minutes and you can hear the birds singing 2 1/2 minutes in. Some strange sounds join in before 13 minutes and we also can hear the waves. Keyboards around 16 minutes as the waves continue with percussion. Sax after 19 minutes. The song starts to wind down after 21 minutes. The sea gulls and waves become more prominant here.

This is my second favourite A.R. & MACHINES record after "The Green Journy". A must for Krautrock fans.