DOKTOR FLEISCH

This is the most recent offering from Germany's own OCTAFISH released in 2009. They are an Avant band and i like the way the bio here at PA describes their music as a cross between New York Experimental Jazz, Frank Zappa and King Crimson because I did think of all three while listening to this. It's instrumental for the most part except for some processed words and phrases that are spoken or shouted out and also the vocals on the final track. This beast grooves like nobody's business and we get plenty of programming, sax, guitar, synths, bass and beats. There is also Chapman Stick and they are a five piece band led by synth player Frank Messmer who also does the programming.

I have to say that if not for the final two tracks I'd be giving this 5 stars, that's how much I've been enjoying this album. Played it three times yesterday alone and I played it very loud. This is a blast! Well I'll try to describe what I was hearing.

"Bomster" is so catchy with those heavy beats as the processed vocals speak out the phrases and words. Crank it up! An Eastern sound comes over top and it will come and go. It does settle with sax around 2 1/2 minutes then kicks back in a minute later. Synths vibrate giving an 80's vibe here then we get some absolutely killer guitar late. "Doktor Fleisch" has all kinds of beats and pulsating sounds which cause me to head-bang at this point. Hey I can't help moving to this stuff. The sax comes in blasting over top. Guitar replaces the sax making some noise then the guitar turns into a Fripp mode with intricate sounds before 2 minutes. The sax is back before that intricate guitar returns again before 3 minutes then more sax.

"Bier Bop #2" is another catchy song that needs to be heard loud. The sax is so good along with the bass and drums. It does settle after 1 1/2 minutes with drums and bass before dissonant sax joins in. Processed spoken words come and go as well. It's quite avant to almost 4 minutes here in this section where it has settles down before kicking back in late. "Phock" is my favourite. Love the deep bass lines and sound to start. Some nasty guitar expressions as well but how good is that bass. It settles some after a minute with electronics but check out the sax 2 minutes in as it becomes more pleasant and brighter sounding. An experimental calm late.

"Thxfz" is the first laid back track with drums, guitar and keys leading the way. I like the Zappa-like guitar that starts to solo a minute in. A beautiful song. "29 Skaters" is a top three as we get back to the heavy groove. The sax comes in over top and man is this catchy. It settles before 2 minutes with some growly bass and more. How good is this as it builds. The sax is back after 3 minutes. "Party Alarm" is my other top three and it opens with heavy outbursts with processed spoken words before it kicks into a steady groove with sax and a heavy beat. Synths as well and they are powerful. Great sound 3 1/2 minutes in. A calm follows with lazy sax and plenty of atmosphere then it kicks back in at 8 minutes.

"Wot Em Nuk" has a solo sax intro before it kicks into gear. Here we go again! Some nice picked guitar then the sax comes in blasting after 2 minutes before it settles with dissonant sax expressions. "Nothing" has lots of beats, big bass lines and electronics. Guitar riffs follow although those high pitched sounds over top that come and go I could do without. A calm with sax and more before 3 minutes and I do like the guitar that follows. The guitar and sax then rip it up together before the heaviness returns. "Barbie Girl" is indeed that nauseating Pop song and it starts off sounding just like it for 2 minutes. Barf! It does change thankfully to a Zappa mode but returns late.

Despite the final track(which I know is the band showing their humour) I really like this album. Well worth checking out and play it loud!