AUF DER BAHN ZUM URANUS

Gäa is one of those typical German obscurities from the 70s, a band that was still lingering in the 60s and that brought the kind of heavy acid rock mixed in with 60s pop, trippy jams and pastoral elements that you might expect from a 1969 record rather then from a 1974. As such it's a bit of an awkward listen, a psych retro album from 1974. Why not.

The opener is one of the most interesting tracks, featuring lots of fuzzy reverbed guitars and vocals, and with a quiet acoustic middle section that reminds of bands like DOM or MYTHOS. The song ends with a 60s pop chorus, reminding of German 'schlager'. Be it with lots of reverb... After a shorter folksy tune, 'Tanz Mit dem Mond' features more psych-schlager and pastoral vibes. Nice one.

Side 2 starts with the disappointing 'Mutter Erde', a 60s pop song with some heavy rock riffs and - if still needed mention - lots of reverb. Too 60s and cliché for me. The remaining two songs pick up the momentum again. 'Welt Im Dunkel' is a delightful mellow ballad and 'GAA' an energetic jammy rocking wake-up call that is the most kraut-y thing next to the opener that you will find on this album.

Overall a nice album that has enough going to have reached a sort of small 'cult' status. But I wouldn't recommend it unless you really like the music of the 60s, both its pop and its trippy side. 3 stars.