AUSSCHUSS

EULENSPYGEL continue with their left wing lyrics which have become increasingly demanding and critical of society.There is a side long suite on this their second album about orphans. Lyrics are still in German and the band certainly didn't just preach without practising their philosophies as they would visit orphanages and youth prisons which gave all the band members that emotional connection to the subject matter.They would take a train to England to record this album at Apple Studios. Lots of pictures in the liner notes including ones from the roof of that famous studio and inside as well as them crossing Abbey Road like THE BEATLES famous album cover.Their music was becoming increasingly complex as they listened to Classical music as well as YES, GENESIS, VDGG, ELP and more. At the studio they used instruments that had been left by Rod Argent including mellotron which might have been the studios and possibly the one THE BEATLES used.

"Abfall" is the side long suite which is really a Rock Opera of sorts about orphans. A haunting intro with mellotron as spoken German words join in.The music kicks in around 2 minutes.Vocals before 3 1/2 minutes as it settles some.Flute too. It turns experimental as the vocals stop.The atmosphere stops before 9 minutes as strummed guitar takes over followed by flute then vocals 10 1/2 minutes in. Some heavy organ before 12 1/2 minutes with electric guitar, drums and a full sound.Nice. It then picks up with vocals including some chunky bass. It settles back 16 1/2 minutes in with floating organ and almost spoken vocals. It's building and the vocals sound so good here.Very powerful and opera-like. It settles again after 19 minutes with organ and a beat as the mellotron joins in. Incredible track !

"Menschenmacher" is my least favourite because it's pretty straighforward.Vocals are the focus as the organ, drums and guitar help out. I do like the organ solo followed by the guitar solo later on. "Teufelskreis" is a cool sounding tune with the vocals sounding more laid back as the drums and acoustic guitar offer up some enrgy. Sitar before 6 1/2 minutes to the end. Maybe the one THE BEATLES used ? "Herzliches Beileid" has a beat as reserved vocals join in. I like this ! The organ replaces the vocals but they switch back again after 2 minutes. "Der Fremde" opens with organ as the guitar joins in. It kicks in hard around a minute then settles back with vocals.This is excellent. Spoken words after 4 minutes then it all picks up again. "Untertanenfabrik" has a good heavy intro and the vocals come and go. Mellotron before 2 minutes as we get this haunting mood taking over.Guitar before 3 minutes then organ. Vocals are back late.

I still prefer the debut but this has really grown on me. A solid 4 stars regardless, and Krautrock fans would do well to pick up either one of these classics or both if possible.