ZWAI

We can give this one-off artist and this album the position as one of unknown early Krautrock creators and gems, can't we? This creation sounds not unified nor refined as melodic Krautrock masterpieces like Popol Vuh or Amon Düül II indeed, but it's an important material for us to understand this subgenre before strict definition of Krautrock.

Fantastic, psychedelic and delicious, gracious cembalo and explosively psychedelic and crazy flute sound very sensitive and sensual from the beginning "Albinoni". Bluesy, a bit plaintive flute-based heavy rock stuff "A Second Time", like "Marsch" or "Land Of Dreams" following later, is not challenging nor innovative enough but we can grab their strong and strange intention via such a poppy one.

Basically dreamy, meditative flute wind takes the lead in this creation but weird, polyrhythmic bass shooting and drumming definitely support their steady music theatre. "Bourree" or "Andante" is a classic one that can give us safe and sound during such an eccentricity. Sharp-edged rhythm section and flute are massively attractive in a strong one "Julius Caesar", with concern and mourning of a brave man, that could be well impressed along with lazy, dizzy voices. And "To Barbara" is a lovely stuff mixed with darkness, plaint, or something like grief, and a bit pleasure like brilliant sparkling water. Quite appropriate as the last enthusiastic suite.

In conclusion, this obscurity cannot be recommended for all Krautfreaks but please, you don't avoid such a mysterious historical fact as a Krautrock Specialist k

Originating from Hannover, Germans Hax Cel were formed in late-1971 by flutist/singer Dieter Neumann, keyboardist Achim Neubauer, bassist Michael Moebus and drummer Rainer Greffrath.They played Classical Rock, influenced by the works of Albinoni, Bach, Beethoven or Haendel and were eventually discovered by jazz drummer Dietmar Siebrasse, who happened to be also the owner of the small label Dizzy Records.Among the live performances the band recorded a single for Dizzy in 1972, followed by a full-length LP, entitled ''Zwai'' at the end of the year.This was actually a live performance of the band, captured on October 29th at Beethovensaal in Hannover.

As you may notice the four guys had no interest to add any guitar sounds in their style in order to come as closer as it gets to Classical Music.''Zwai'' is an interesting yet a bit outdated album concerning the style with flutes and keyboard in evidence, creating passages with dramatic, romantic and melancholic melodies, even if some psychedelic leftovers are still present in the faster paces.They appear to borrow themes from famous composers and add a fair dose of originality to come up with a strongly Classical-drenched style, characterized by smooth interplays, sweet arrangements and some rare takeoffs with a heavier rhythm section and frenetic flute solos.Neubauer performs apparently on acoustic/electric piano and harsichord, propably another reason why ''Zwai'' sounds so much influenced by Classical Music.Vocals are sporadic and rather mediocre, so the main focus here should be on the good interplays between keyboard and flutes and the well-executed shifting tempos and atmospheres.The bulk of the instrumental themes are much inspired by the Baroque period and the execution is solid and confident, even if this was a live performance by the band.

Good Classical Prog, that struggles a bit to fight against the sand of time.Great flute solos and some beautiful keyboard-based melodies are the main reasons to purchase the album.Recommended.

Talk about obscure bands? Well, Germany has definitely got some in store for you. H'x Cel is a very obscure German band that managed to release only one album in the 70's before releasing two more after reformation in the late 90's. The title of this work is slightly of misleading, suggesting that this is group's sophomore effort.

Their music cannot closely be compared to any bands. A little bit of Jethro Tull is there, just a hair of Focus. H'x Cel's material is based prominently on classical music. The interesting thing is that it doesn't feature any direct quotes (as in ELP, Egg or Ekseption), however many of the shapes, moods, ideas from classical music are present. One example of such passage is a strong allusion to "Moonlight Sonata". A characteristic element on many songs from "Zwai" is that a lot of them are based on so called basso lamento, which in short is a type of progression. Bass solos are also a common practice on this album. The music is interesting, but a bit boring, self-repeating and monotone. An Ian Anderson-like flute is probably the main instrument, compensating for the lack of guitar. Keyboards (in most cases a piano, sometimes organ and a touch of a harpsichord) sit in the background, rarely showing their true claws. Highlights of the album are "Albinioni", "Bouree" and "Julius Cesar".

Overall, this is quite an interesting effort with some good moments. It does feel very obscure. It should definietly please those who like obscure gems and fans of classical-edged Krautrock. 3 stars!