SEHR KOSMISCH, GANZ PROGISCH

Due to uncounted contributions to diverse bands, respectively music projects, Ketil Vestrum Einarsen can be seen as a real key figure when it comes to the prog rock scene in Norway. Now recently he could form a unit that should implement his personal vision of a krautrock inspired progressive rock album. And so 'Sehr Kosmisch Ganz Progisch' appears with a German title of course, moreover this is pointing to an Harmonia song. Besides a bunch of guest musicians the bands core is completed by Gaute Storsve and White Willow's Jacob Holm-Lupo, both on guitar as well as bass, and finally drummer Mattias Olsson of Änglagård fame.

While residing at the Weserbergland border since my birth, this issue attracted my attention in particular, you bet! But, are there even any specific relations to notice concerning krautrock and this region in Germany? Oh yes, there are some. The initial Umsonst & Draussen festivals launched in Vlotho for example. And temporarily, similiar to Kraan residing in Wintrup for some time, the Weserbergland has been a retreat for Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius above all, both representing the band Cluster. This probably might have helped to name the project just like that.

The album shows a very unique flow and flavour. Although some references are given, for me it doesn't sound like blatantly leaning at any well known kraut outfit, fortunately. Thus 'Sehr Kosmisch Ganz Progisch' evolves to a revelation per se for every prog fan, especially when looking for something new and innovative. The particular songs are skillfully weaving diverse music styles and ideas, deriving from different epochs, to something very open minded and experimental. Well, that is mirroring a krautrock spirit, isn't it? Furthermore Mattias Olsson's drum presence is motoric, very special in general.

The approach to combine kosmische electronics and rock music is fulfilled. And so somewhat in the vein of Harmonia, Cluster, Neu! the charming and relaxed Tanzen und Springen - originally an old folk traditional - appears in a cinematic, symphonic manner, decorated with some nice guitar work. Followed by the Gustav Mahler adapted Das Trinklied Vom Jammer Der Erde, starting very melancholic, concerning the mood reminding of Kaukasus, but then provided with a very strong and dynamic flow furthermore. Kunst Der Fuge is picking up the legacy of baroque composer Johann Sebstian Bach with industrial alike implemented drums, partially just like forced by a machine, partially very tricky - a great challenge.

Finally tending to some free formed jazz in between Tristrant spiritually seems longing back to the 12th Century after all, pointing to the love story of Tristan and Iseult, which has been nothing but an emotional rollercoaster affair to them. Musically this is realized in a rather dramatic manner. And no wonder, most of the guest musicians are involved in this song. While taking some episodes from the German cultural history as a template, Ketil Vestrum Einarsen has started something really unusual and precious here with 'Sehr Kosmisch Ganz Progisch'. Krautrock? What else? Maybe for some reason, but if, surely equipped with the prefix Neo.