Nova Express, Germany

Space Khmer. 1987 Syndicate

Germany's Nova Express, a common band name derived from William Burroughs' novel title, are a band I first heard about from Freakbeat in the early 1990s. Opening track 'King & Princess' reminds me quite a bit of early Amon Duul II - especially the shorter songs as found on Tanz der Lemming or Carnival in Babylon. This element becomes apparent in the psychedelic guitar work and the heavily accented male vocals. The organ they employ is actually an older vintage than what Amon Duul II used. Throughout the LP, one will also detect some influence from the post punk crowd of the early 80s, which shows in the songwriting. Nova Express goes toe to toe with, and even predates, some of the best UK neo psych bands of the era, such as Sun Dial and The Bevis Frond. Overall, a very good neo psych / neo Krautrock album that time has completely forgot.

Priority: 2

1/19/11 (new entry); 5/4/19