UFO

Guru Guru's debut release from 1970, 'UFO', is a cosmic whirlwind of rumbling bass, feedback guitars and thumping drums, all mixed into some sort of structured, spacey chaos. Indeed, this album won't grab the listener by the 'ghoulies' in the first few plays, but the familiarity gained from constant listening reveals the intended experimentalism by this trio of Krautrockers. Mani Neumeier is an interesting drummer/percussionist who went from strength to strength as each Guru Guru album appeared, and seemed to be the mainstay and true visionary behind each line-up. Bassist Uli Trepte has a simplistic style, but his lightly over-driven bass holds things together, whilst Ax Genrich screeches away on feedback drones and aggressive playing, intent on creating some aural bloodletting on the listener's part, but in all honesty, they just kick a*#e !!!

There are no melodies, but an occassional riff might peep through now and then. The vocals are just odd mutterings here and there, like Mani yelling out "Oh Yeah!" from behind the drumkit (must be the acid kicking in) - just listen to the MP3 of 'Stone In', provided here, and the album just gets better from there, but not by much, as 'Stone In' is a classic. 'Girl Call' is a brutal number, slow building with those shredding guitars, thunderously heavy, it just brings down the house. 'Next Time See You At The Dalai Lhama' is built on a repetitive riff and is almost a catchy tune.

Side 2 contains two lengthy workouts, the incredibly spacey title track, which is Krautrock at its finest ; sound effects galore, mainly drums and guitar experimenting with sonic soundscapes inspired by distant galaxies and spaceships. A bit noisy, but the intention is focused on creating an atmosphere, rather than a melodious song - and they succeed no- end in doing so. 'Der LSD Marsch' starts off slow and ominously, then bursts into flames with the middle section, which then gives way to a brief, jazzy drum fill, and we get an almost triumphant riff with an inkling of melody to close the album - which generally leaves me speechless. A full-on masterpiece of progressive music and definitive Krautrock - on par with Can's Tago Mago.