STIMMUNG

FIRST REVIEW OF THIS ALBUM!!

This is the third and until now final effort by the Italian progrock band Standarte. Their second album entitled Curses & Invocations is one of my favorite 'vintage keyboards' CD's, what a cascades of Mellotrons, Moogs and Hammond organ, Progheaven! On this album Standarte has added a guitarist to the line-up but the focal point remains the keyboard work, especially the Hammond organ, evoking lots of late Sixties and early Seventies 'Heavy Progressive' bands like The Spencer Davis Group, Atomic Rooster, Uriah Heep and early Jane. The 10 compositions doesn't sound very surprising, in fact Standarte delivers quite simple music but the atmospheres are very pleasant and I love the powerful organ and fiery guitar, at some moments I am carried away by swirling Hammond organ soli in the vein of Eddie Hardin (ex-Spencer Davis Group). The first five tracks are recorded in the studio, the next 3 tracks are 'live in Stockholm' and the final two songs live broadcasted on the radio. Don't mind the vocals and the weak compositions, just enjoy the great Hammond sound along some Mellotron waves!

I think the band knew at this point in their careers that this project was coming to a close. They only had enough material for half an album, so they used live tracks for the other half. As usual this Italian band brings back the seventies sound with vintage keys, hammond organ and mellotron. Vocals are in English and this is properly filed under Heavy-prog, one of my favourite genres(hello King By-Tor!). I have to say that I can't help but love the way this band sounds. I value all three of their studio albums.

"Intro" is dark with heavy guitar that slowly rises up, drums follow. Yes this is an intro ! Mellotron comes and goes. Nice. "(We Want) A Peaceful Village" is a heavy tune with drums, organ and vocals leading the way.The tempo really picks up 30 seconds in.The guitar becomes aggressive as vocals and organ shine. It settles down some after 2 1/2 minutes before kicking back in. "Kankweezler" opens with mellotron and reserved vocals. A nice heavy sound a minute in. Some good organ runs a minute later. Guitar solo after 3 minutes as drums impress late. "Stimmung" opens like "Dont' Fear The Reaper" only faster. Organ, drums, guitar and mellotron are all so good on this one. "Sonnermensch" builds with solid drums and powerful organ. This is a fantastic instrumental.

The last 5 songs are live. "Moon In Cancer" is the highlight as far as mellotron goes. This is a live instrumental. The organ is killer as well. "Dark Satanic Hill" is another outstanding track with some great guitar 2 1/2 minutes in. "In My Time Of Dying" was on one of their previous studio albums.The organ again steals the show. They seem to just jam part way through. "Yellow Cave Woman" is another favourite of mine. Love the drumming as the guitar starts to light it up. Amazing tune. "I Won't Start Another Song" is perhaps prophetic as far as this band is concerned. The Hammond is all over this one. Nice contrasts throughout and some ripping guitar after 4 minutes.

The picture in the liner notes of Michele Profeti surrounded by banks of keyboards says it all about this album. 4 solid stars.

There is actually not a lot to say about this album. Same recipe than their two previous works: weak vocals, average production and song writing. In a word: nothing extraordinary and probably the reason why the band put an end to their work after this album.

Only twenty minutes of original studio work, that's not much! Short of inspiration I guess; although "Stimmung" was released more than two years after their prior "Curses And Invocations".

Actually, this album could suit your taste if you are deeply stuck into the heavy rock of the early seventies, combined with a natural love for keyboards. But their first two albums were just better (even if not memorable).

From their new material, only Kankweezler and the title track which features excellent keys passages and rocks like hell could draw my attention. The last studio number "Sonnermensch" is also a solid piece of rock, but without inspiration and repetitive. Maybe a showcase for their new guitar player (they used to be a trio).

The major part of this album is made up of five live tracks. They are good for half an hour of heavy- rock jamming and straight-forward but not always boring music. From which the psychedelic and instrumental Moon In Cancer is my favourite.

The last song of their set during that concert (if I'm referring to the announcement) is a live version of "In My Time Of Dying" which was available on their first album: it is only remarkable during its instrumental middle-part. The intro and closing sections being average heavy-blues music which I don't fancy very much.

The sound of the last live songs is rather weak, and none of them are of high interest IMO. Again, I can't be very enthusiast for the vocals from "I Won't Start Another Song". Actually, they couldn't have said better.

Two stars for this average album.