AGAPE-AGAPE LOVE-LOVE

One more time an emotional & "spiritual" musical recording by the legendary Popol Vuh. Florian's Frike music has never been so hugely inspired by the "sacred" soul of religious music (excepted in the deeply meditative "Hosianna Mantra"). This album oscillates between massive ritualist "world" choir parts ("Hand in Hand", "The Christ is near") and floating rock tunes ("They danced, they laughed, as of old"). This universe is largely made of meditative effects thanks to the help of "repetition" and "gentle" melodies. a few songs remind me previous compositions from their classic progressive years (a song as "Love Love" is closed to "Coeur de Verre" / "Das Hohelied Salomos" era): a poetic, "pastoral" rock in search of infinity and quietness. "Why do I still sleep" which closes this initiatic pilgrimage is a romantic, "dreamy" ballad for the piano. Not the peak of the band's career but surely their best from the post 70's progressive rock years. This one can ravish every fan of the band and those who are in touch with deep spirituality

This album was released in 1984, in fact all my other POPOL VUH records came out before this one. Good to see Conny Veit here on guitar as well as Renate Knaup on vocals. Another good recording from Florian although I did find this one less inspiring than most of his others that I own. Not a lot of variation in sound here.

"Hand In Hand" opens with chanting only,no instruments until the percussion arrives before 2 minutes. "They Danced, They Laughed, As Of Old" is a Daniel Fichelscher composition, in fact the only song on here that Florian didn't create.This one's a top three for me. It sounds so good with the electric guitar playing over top. "Love, Life, Death" features percussion throughout. "The Christ Is Near" opens with Renate and percussion.The sound gets fuller before settling 2 minutes in with acoustic guitar; electric guitar then joins in. "Love-Love" is a top three with the guitars and percussion all sounding great.

"Behold, The Drover Summonds" features Renate's high pitched vocal melodies as the music follows and builds. Piano and loud percussion are up next as Renate continues. "Agape-Agape" is the other top three tune. This sounds amazing as Renate sings with the guitars, piano and percussion filling out the sound. "Why Do I Still Sleep" is the final and longest song at 8 minutes. Guitar and piano are played tastefully throughout.

My release has a bonus track which is very dynamic and reveals why this album doesn't reach the heights of most of their earlier records.