VIVE LA TRANCE

Back in the mid 70s my friends would refer to some music as being "acid rock". I thought they overused the term, but if they had used it on Amon Duul II, I would not have argued. Indeed, "Vive la Trance" epitomizes whatever this ambiguous term might have meant, or at least one of its potential definitions. This is uniquely lively and frenetic song oriented music for the most part, with vocals at best half sung in accented English by several singers, the most notable being Renate.

I hear sounds that would later influence other German bands, in particular Jane on the instrumental "Im Krater Blühn Wieder Die Bäume", which reminds me of their "Age of Madness" period. While the music is often innovative if chaotic, I do hear some 60s influences, especially in the Dylan-esque but charming "Apocalyptic Bore". Renate's "Jalousi" provides a break from the pace and makes me wonder if Kate Bush might have followed this band in her younger years. And just when I think they are getting boring and repetitive, from left field comes a cool fiddle solo in "Dr". And "Manana " is as close as you get to a lovely song, with innovative guitar work.

Not to say everything has interest - "Trap" and "Pig Man" show ideas running out as the album draws to a close. But if you really listen, almost everything here provides some redemption no matter how much you might want to dismiss it.