Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Agitation Free - Malesch CD (album) cover

MALESCH

Agitation Free

 

Krautrock

3.98 | 306 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Bonnek
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Can there be a thing such as a pleasant kraut album? Agitation Free certainly gives it a shot on their debut. Where it concerns kraut, this album is sure fun and accessible, with smooth psychedelic jams and nice touches of Eastern music.

One of the original aspects is the integration of samples, if I may use that term. The band had recorded of few bits and pieces of music while on a trip in Egypt and blended them in with their own songs. The integration isn't as seamless as on Pink Floyd albums but it adds an interesting angle. Sahara City is a fine example. I generally miss a bit of edge to this album, but on tracks like the opener You Play For Us Today they sure build up some intensity.

However, at no point does this band really shine and sparkle. Everything remains fairly standard and maybe even a bit formulaic, for kraut standards at least. Ala Tul has an interesting groove and twirling psychedelic organs but fails to engage me emotionally. Also the experimental Pulse and the rather dull jams of Khan El Khalili and Malesch don't rise above average. Rücksturz is a nice closer with good guitar harmonies and a certain 1970 Pink Floyd mood.

While it can serve as a good introduction to krautrock, this albums leaves a seasoned krautonaut like me rather indifferent. Especially for an album from 1972 it is pretty safe and predictable and won't present anything Amon Düül II or Guru Guru didn't have on offer. Nice album but hardly anything else but plain good.

Bonnek | 3/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this AGITATION FREE review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.