REBIRTH

Rebirth is from Birth Control's best period,and their best album. The band straddle the world of jazz rock and their heavy prog background in a really effective and refreshingly creative way with this record, which could very well satisfy fusion lovers, as well as those of heavy prog. This is not such an easy thing for a band to realize, but BC pull it off admirably, with the result being an album that was the most focused and professional sounding Birth Control would ever create.

One of the main things that really makes Rebirth such a great undertaking is that the band had, at this time, as a member the brilliant German guitarist Dirk Steffens, who injects a sincere, spirited, and deeply heart-felt musical presence throughout the album. Alas, the connection was not to last, and by early 1974, Steffens had left the band. He went on to pursue a solo career, whose first album The Seventh Step from 1976 has some of the musical feel of his involvement with Birth Control, though minus the jazz rock element.

But it can be said, though, that there is exemplary musicianship from all members of BC on Rebirth, and thus, there are no weak songs or even weak moments, the last track even including a great drum solo with mind-blowing technique. This group's instrumental prowess is in full vigor on this record, and makes for really invigorating music making all the way through. A five star, prog rock essential.