TOUR DE TRANCE

From a country more known for kraut rock, electronica, and a profusion of symphonic prog, a fair number of folk influenced groups do emanate. HOELDERLIN and OUGENWEIDE may be the best known of the lot, and were also among the first, although Hoelderlin left behind their roots early on. Cross these in their more reflective moments with a sprig of BROSELMASCHINE and, with the exception of one monster cut, you have the essence of EMMA MYLDENBERGER's "Tour de Trance".

The nearly 20 minutes of "Regenreigen" constitute something of a revolution in European folk prog, touching as it does on the whole continental diaspora from bygone and modern days, as well as Middle Eastern delectables, with superb oboe by Biber Gullatz. Part improvisation and part carefully architected composition, it is alluring but not very bracing, as it rarely shifts more than a third degree.in pace, an impeccably cooked repast served lukewarm. "Lenya's fantasie" and "Raa" are essentially a procedural protraction.

"Ein Bisschen" is actually a song more or less, and could have come from "Hoelderlin's Traum", while "Wassensteyn's hochzeitnacht" invokes POPOL VUH at times, which can't be a bad thing. Ultimately it and its live bonus version, along with the additional live bonus of "I Know You Rider", which clearly enunciates Myldenberger's lineage back to the original jam band, are my personal favourites, which unfortunately tells you more about me than about the album. The closing add-on is the purely foot stomping hoedown "Stromberger Siebensprung"

Because the extended compositions will have appeal to certain select listeners - you know who you are - in my tour-trumped trance I see three stars.