SONNENTANZ - LIVE

The German progrock legend Grobschnitt has released many live albums, this one is from 1985 and has on the front cover a sticker with "New Solar music version". Although the track list mentions seven tracks, this live LP is entirely dedicated to that new "Solar music" version.

Side one starts with an introduction, ending with the words "Viel Spass mit Solar music" which means "Enjoy the Solar music". The first part is very dynamic 'prog and roll', halfway featuring many great soli on electric guitar, saxophone, piano and acoustic guitar, all accompanied by a lush string-synthesizer sound, wonderful.

Side two starts with a slow rhythm and gradually becomes more bombastic. Then a propulsive mid-tempo, culminating in a catchy rhythm with distinctive German vocals, piano and synthesizer flights (like JM JARRE). The climate changes into mellow with spacey synthesizer sounds and electronic drums. The final part contains a splendid build-up guitar solo, first howling and then biting, ending in a kind of prog metal avant-la-lettre, what a dynamic sound!

This album has not the magic from the Seventies but it sounds fresh, pleasant and inspired.