JUMBO

Sandwiched between 'Ballermann' and 'Rockpommel's Land', 'Jumbo' is seen by many as the weakest album from Grobschnitt's 1970's progressive period. Featuring an incredibly short- running time, 'Jumbo' is more like a mini-album, with both the opening and closing tracks lasting less than a minute each, therefore leaving the listener feeling a little short-changed. The remaining three tracks are typical Grobschnitt, featuring fluid guitars, lush keyboards, jocular lyrics and fantasy trimmings, but it's hard not to feel let down after the heroics of 'Ballermann'. Of the three longer tracks 'The Clown' is probably the standout, with it's catchy chorus and uplifting tempo, whilst 'Dreams & Reality' contains some nicely ethereal keyboards. Entertaining then, but far too short. STEFAN TURNER, LONDON, 2010