WHAT'S THE NAME

"What's the name" was the last album recorded by the enigmatic band "Ixthuluh". Once again, the band's core members bring in the odd guest, and "borrow" instruments to help them in their quest. The tracks were recorded in a single take live, but the recording methods and equipment used (one tape recorder) lead to an unsatisfactory quality of sound.

The music once again consists of the improvisational Krautrock the band favour. We open with a dull percussion solo "In the bushes", which is thank fully sub-titled "Short version"! The album really starts therefore with "Start our fuzzy dreams", a simple guitar riff with mumbled and distorted vocals. "Fewa Blues" is the first chance we get to experience something slightly more refined, the pleasant guitar being supported by some atmospheric keyboards.

There are, perhaps inevitably, some impenetrable indulgences here. "Hornet in a bees basket" is complete nonsense, devoid of anything remotely musical. The keyboards return though for "Synthetic heaven", another pleasantly atmospheric piece with strong bass. "Visit from town" is the hardest track on the album, with an orthodox rock beat and some bluesy feedback guitar.

"Strings" is an unexpectedly delicate run through an acoustic instrumental. The playing is rudimentary, but the overall effect is satisfactory. "Camel trophy through seven dirty puddles" is a more adventurous lead guitar improvisation, which tends to ramble somewhat but at least offers some excitement.

Of the longer tracks, "Sailor's dream" is a 10 minute piece, which is based on ambient keyboard sounds with drifting lead guitar. It is actually a decent performance, marred only by the dubious quality of the recording. The similarly long "Desert nights" features Adi Nimmerfall on flute. The piece continues the relaxed, ambient atmosphere of "Sailor's dream", the flute adding a welcome extra dimension.

While "What's the name" continues to demonstrate Ixthuluh's alarming lack of quality control, both in terms of sound and substance, it is a better album over all than those which preceded it. The laid back atmosphere of a number of the tracks makes for a more accessible and acceptable listen, although it is necessary to skip across some of the more outlandish indulgences.

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