BALLERMANN

Grobschnitt started slowly to become a live monster with extreme, theatrical stage shows among their sets of music.In 1973 the band became a regular quintet with the departure of Harlos and Quetting and the arrival of Classical-educated keyboardist Volker Kahrs, while Eroc took over the drum duties.The next year the band released their most ambitious effort by far, the 2-LP ''Ballermann''.Produced by Frank Mille and recorded at Dierks Studios near Cologne, this work was again released on Brain.

The first LP offered an emphatic Progressive Rock, similar to the band's debut with rather stronger symphonic influences, opening with the humurous ''Sahara'', like a mix of FRANK ZAPPA and ELOY, but soon unfolding into long tracks with dusty Kraut grooves, melodious themes, deep symphonic arrangements and heavier psychedelic excursions.Influences come from ELOY, BIRTH CONTROL, YES and GENESIS with some beautiful Hammod organ and extended warm synthesizers blended with powerful guitars and a pounding rhythm section.The taste of the band for more symphonic textures is even more evident through the long YES-influenced ''Magic Train'' with its nice melodic guitars, Classical organ themes, sudden breaks, light Mellotron waves and sharp guitar chops.Generally the music is quite consistent with some great interludes, rhythmic parts and delicate melodies, yet originality is an issue at moments.

The second LP is dedicated to a long piece, worked by the band since The Crew days, finally being over around the time of ''Ballermann'' recordings.Today the 33-min. ''Solar music'' is considered by fans as a Prog/Kraut Rock classic of the 70's German scene.Here Grobscnitt move away from the Symponic Rock style of the opening LP, exploring the more spacey and cosmic sound of Rock music with Eroc's electronic effects coming in notice, while the track has a rather loose structure with synthesizers and psychedelic guitars in evidence, sounding a bit like ELOY jamming with ASH RA TEMPEL.The spacey sound is even more obvious in the overstretched, hypnotic grooves of the track, while the limited vocals appearing are offered through discreet distortions.The first part is a bit boring with extended instrumental work based on electric guitars, electronics and organ, while the second stands on a better level with some nice rhythmic textures and good guitar solos after the middle and a nice ending theme with a superb atmosphere, led by Kahrs' harpsichord and the excellent guitar work of Kühn, somewhat close to ANYONE'S DAUGHTER sound.

I do not consider ''Ballermann'' or even ''Solar music'' as complete classics of the 70's German Prog movement, however the album has plenty of interesting moments and flexible inspirations to qualify as a strongly recommended release.Definitely a must have for fans of Kraut Rock and a pretty good listening for all the rest...3.5 stars.