HEJ DU

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If AR's debut was a dark and un-commercial album, wait 'til you get a load of Hej Du with its three tracks only (we are in '70, well before CTTE or other landmarks), and multi-movement pieces. Sporting a naïve childlike artwork, fans usually regard this album as the group's definitive statement, and I must say that it does make quite an impression on me, still more than 10 years after discovering it. Actually the group will experience their first line-up change during the recording of this album, with original drummer From leaving the stool to Karsten Host.

Starting with the distorted guitars of Du Taler Sumthinalongthisline (You Talk And Say), the album gives a shot in the anthill of your certainties, but the track is actually fairly weak as the over-powering vocals are not exactly well thought out. The following 15-min+ title track is quite an improvement, as it is reminiscent of the dynamics of the closer Hjem of the debut album. Indeed, the organ and guitar are clashing wildly while Host's drumming is at times breathtaking.

The sidelong 8-movement almost-22min suite Perlesoen is clearly the album's centerpiece (even if it stands as its last track ;o), with its interesting mixture of dark organ-based progressive (ala Uriah Heep), psychedelic music (early Pink Floyd), and space rock (early Hawkwind) and bits of soul music (reworked ala Vanilla Fudge), with loads of riffing guitars and wild drumming. Even having some flute parts in one movement, this epic is truly progressive with each chapter developing its own mood, but adding to the whole structure. One of the assets of this track is that a second drummer Klaus From helps out, giving more depth to it. Just past the halfway mark, as the track stops for umpteenth time, the bass picks up with the searing guitar, soon joined by the drums and organs to build a lengthy crescendo, then suddenly, bass and guitar break away some more, before eventually dying out. As soon as gone, an organ line is to be heard lazily followed by another, then almost whispering vocals (at first anyway) with Appice-like drums, the whole thing ending in chaos!

Although marginally better than their eponymous debut album, Hej Du is one of Denmark's most definitive albums in its genre (if you except the vocally ambitious but ultimately poor opening track), and only topped progressively (but in a very different genre) by Secret Oyster's outstanding jazz-rock of Sea Son. Highly recommended piece of somber hippie rock especially to most of those symphonic progheads claiming psych rock is not part of "prog".

For me ALRUNE ROD's second album is a definite step up from the debut. Maybe it's just that the almost 22 minute side long closing track stands above everything on the debut and above the other two songs on this album, in my opinion of course. It's an incredible piece though and keep in mind this was released in 1970 by these Danes.

"Du Taler Og Sir" opens with some good old fashion feedback before a beat with vocal expressions take over around a minute. It then kicks in with vocals. It settles just before 3 minutes with organ, reserved vocals and more. The tempo continues to shift as themes are repeated. "Hej Du" has a good beat as the organ floods in. Reserved vocals after a minute. It starts to build then settles back as contrasts continue. Passionate vocals and organ after 4 minutes then the guitar rips it up. A calm before 5 1/2 minutes as the organ, a beat and vocals lead until it kicks back in after 9 1/2 minutes. The guitar then starts to light it up. The organ is killing it before 12 minutes. The guitar is back making some noise.

"Perleseoen" features floating organ, acoustic guitar and cymbals early. It picks up with a beat, organ, strummed guitar and vocals. Great sound 3 minutes in then we get a calm. It picks up again after 4 minutes with vocals. Another calm after 6 minutes with reserved vocals. The vocals stop as it becomes somewhat haunting before 10 minutes. It continues to be dark with sparse flute. There's some whispering after 12 1/2 minutes followed by silence. A beat comes in after 13 minutes as we get some acid soaked guitar then the organ joins in. Another silent calm after 17 minutes then reserved vocals come in along with a mellow sound. It kicks back in after 19 minutes to end it. Nice.

An excellent addition to anyone's Psychedelic collection to be sure, and a solid 4 stars. And thanks to the Dane himself Guldbamsen for his passion for this record.