SCHWARZARBEIT

''Traum oder wirklichkeit'' finds Schwarzarbeit still walking on Progressive Rock grounds in a more consistent way, but actually the new tracks do not top the highlights of the previous release.The style is emphatic Symphonic Teutonic Rock with strong Space Rock overtones, coming as a mix of a melodic ANYONE'S DAUGHTER with GROBSCHNITT and late-70's ELOY.The compositions are well-crafted, although performed in a quite safe mode, with a combination of grandiose, spacey synthesizers and more Classical-drenched parts on organ and harsichord, featuring also a good amount of melodious guitar lines next to heavier, rhythmic excursions.The atmosphere depends on every track, ranging from dramatic and cosmic passages with a spacey mood to keyboard-driven arrangements with good and sometimes even stunning melodies and a more dreamy feeling overall.The comparisons with ELOY are moreover strengthened by the fair dose of spoken narrations throughout the release.The second side contains extended instrumental runs, among them a couple of excellent guitar-led themes with a FLOYD-ian/CAMEL-esque vibe, a bit similar to compatriots ROUSSEAU, if you add the ethereal synth moves around.

A group that deserves some praise for being dedicated to non-commercial, polished and delicate Progressive Rock during the 80's, despite the few flaws in some keyboard tunes.Good German Symphonic Rock with a typical late-70's/early-80's sound with musicianship rooted in the recent past.Warmly recommended.