Dschinn Fizz, Germany

There is a Playne Difference. 1981 Aircraft

When I was first introduced to Dschinn Fizz years ago, I was informed that they were a killer progressive psychedelic band (those terms again...) not to be missed. Huh? Of course when one has a mindset going in, and that expectation isn't met, it's rare the album will resonate in a positive way. And it didn't, though I do recall thinking it was pretty good for some other reason, but couldn't recollect why. As I often do, I revisit albums no matter what. This time I went in without a preconceived notion of what the music is supposed to sound like. I was hooked on the first notes! 

So what is a Dschinn Fizz anyway? Dschinn (the band) is one of those infamous rare Krautrock-but-not-really bands from the early 70s with a cool cover of a Dali painting. To me it was always something of a disappointing hard rock album (I revisited this title as well and now conclude it's a good hard rock album). This band has no relation to that one, but curious of such a strange name. Google Translate informs us that Dschinn means Genie, and that Fizz means... Fizz. Genie Fizz. (shrug). Well then, that clears it up for me...

Back to the music. What becomes apparent rather quickly is that Dschinn Fizz are great songwriters. It has those hooks that should have made them stars. But a small label pressing in Germany is not likely to have gotten them noticed where they needed to be most: North America. Because Dschinn Fizz have the sound of Saga, Kansas, Rush, and yes, even fellow countrymen the Scorpions. There are no keyboards or violin here however, so the dual guitars carry the melody and solo lines. And the timing of 1981 was still good, as Saga for example were peaking at this stage. So that gives you an idea of the genre here. But Dschinn Fizz are not plagiarists, and one is immediately immersed with the fantastic opener 'Long Road'. 'Escaped' finds the band perhaps trying too hard for a radio hit, but the mid section instrumental is fantastic. It cannot be stressed enough how melodic these guys are. And the English vocals are strong with little to no accent, usually the Achilles Heel of German bands at the time. 'Don't Look Back' is the low point of the album, but again saved by a strong middle. Then the album really takes off. 'Spanish Fly' is a Rush-like instrumental very much in tune with their Hemispheres through Moving Pictures stage. All of Side 2 is fantastic, and here Dschinn Fizz bring forth a stronger progressive rock element. And some killer hard rock riffing on 'Old Man'. 'Chasing a Dream' would have been just that in 1981: A dream. So they close on a high, always a hallmark of a great album.

If you come here looking for the next progressive rock classic, you won't be impressed. But if looking for that peculiar breed of North American "proggy AOR", then this album moves to the top of class.

Priority: 2

10/5/10 (new entry); 11/30/18 (update)