Might of Coincidence, Switzerland

The Birth of Might of Coincidence. 1971 Entropia

Might of Coincidence play a typical acid folk prog in the trippy German tradition similar to Emtidi’s Saat or especially Amon Duul’s Paradieswarts Duul. Tranced female / male vocals over tablas, wood flute, and electric / acoustic guitar. Most of the tracks sound similar, except the last one which is considerably more cosmic and experimental. A whole album of that I think would’ve resulted in a better experience. 

Priority: 3

9/12/10

Subversion, France

Subversion. 1976 Pole

Certainly the most obscure album on the experimental Pole label. Featuring a crude black and white cover, it's exactly the sort of album you would expect to find on the FLVM label a few years later. This pre-Falstaff outfit mixed complex progressive rock in the Memoriance / Pulsar vein, along with jazz rock sections and some introspective folky moments. Not much cohesion, but they did well with each style they attempted. Very different from anything else on the label, except maybe Emergency Exit. And like that band, Subversion was also not repressed by Tapioca later in the decade, adding to its obscurity.

Priority: 3

***Reissued on LP by Replica (2021)

9/11/10

Mars Everywhere, USA-D.C.

Industrial Sabotage. 1980 Random Radar

Live & Unrehearsed. 1988 Galactus (MC)

Visitor Parking. 1989 Audiofile (MC)

Random Radar was the ancestor to the popular Cuneiform Records label. They had some interesting acts, but none were more intriguing than Mars Everywhere's Industrial Sabotage. The music here is a cross between, Canterbury (due to The Muffins influence), space rock, avant prog, and free rock. Gets a little loose and annoying in places, but when they catch a groove, the fireworks are undeniable. Some brilliant guitar work, and it's just this space rock element that becomes the album's ace in the hole. 

I have not heard the cassettes to date.

Priority: 3

9/9/10

Booth Davis and Lowe, USA-Arizona

Prototype. 1978 Titicaca

Booth, Davis and Lowe are from Arizona, but sound like they're from the great Midwest (Albatross, Ethos, Surprise, etc...). Classic Yes is the obvious starting point, but like many bands of their era, BD&L made a concentrated effort for radio airplay, mixing in some tame but charming AOR songs. A mixed bag, but very much a product of the American underground.

Priority: 3

9/8/10

Alpha Omega, Australia

Alpha Omega. 1976 Clear Light of Jupiter

Steven Maxwell, most known for his group Cybotron, also plays synthesizers for this most interesting fusion group. Perhaps Cybotron's Colossus is a good reference, mixing in saxophone lead rock with electronic sequences. Alpha Omega is more rooted in jazz, however, which includes some free blow sax and shredding guitar solos. It's an odd combination. Passport's Infiniti Machine is also similar to this, though for certain more tame. 

Priority: 3

9/7/10

Arc, France

Maquette. 1980 Le Kiosque d'Orphee / Game

Maquette is an earnest attempt to recreate the Ange / Mona Lisa style of dramatic French language progressive rock. Similar to other such efforts like Elohim's Le Mana Perdu (1983), Trefle (1979), or Elixir's Sabbat (1987). It's a distinctly French form of rock, and for what it is, it's pretty good. Don't expect Ange though.

Priority: 3

9/6/10

Miklagard, Sweden

Miklagard. 1979 Edge

Miklagard's sole album is bread and butter keyboard trio prog rock, with nice leads (some fat analog, some thin cheesy), and the always pleasant sound of Swedish vocals. 

Priority: 3

9/4/10

Sunday, England

Sunday. 1972 Bellaphon

Sunday's sole album is a mix of organ rock, hard rock, and progressive. Another UK band whose only release was in Germany (like Diabolus, Odin). Good record and an even better album cover.

Priority: 3

9/3/10

Sicher, Switzerland

Sicher. 1981 private

There was a major boom in private progressive albums from Switzerland in the late 70s and early 80s. Not sure why that's the case, but here's another one worth your consideration. Featuring two flute players, and possessing a strong affinity for classical music, Sicher put out a better than average progressive album when compared to many of their peers. Some semblance to Eloiteron. 

Priority: 3

9/2/10

Puzzle, France

Puzzle. 1983 private

A well executed psychedelic guitar driven album, released at a time when very little of this style was available on the market. Perhaps only Cincinnati's Ra Can Row could be called out during this era. There are some really sizzling guitar freakouts here. And actually a few well-thought out melodies, which is not something inherent within the genre. But Puzzle has one fatal flaw. And it's the only thing keeping me raving about it: The dreaded drum machine. Had they employed a real drummer, I would enthuse more about it. Naturally enough, the keyboards are all 1980's era synthesizers too, though the guitar fortunately remains the focus. A fine album overall.

Priority: 3

9/1/10

Plamp, Switzerland

...Und Uberhaupt... 1978 private

Like many albums from Switzerland, Plamp's sole album is a private press that time forgot. The CD Reissue Wish List is full of such albums (Nautilus, Agamemnon, Schakta, Eloiteron, etc...). From the northeastern town of Chur, Plamp went boldly forward with their native German language. As for the music, it's a hodge podge of late 70s rock with jazz and classical accents highlighted by flute, violin, and sax. A bit too diverse for its own good, but plenty of nice fuzz leads and organ outbursts. Reference groups: Rumpel Stilz, Flaming Bess, Novalis, Sicher, Novaks Kapelle, and El Shalom.

Priority: 3

8/31/10

Herrgottsax, Germany

Siebold Seiergesichts Sündige Saxofone. 1981 Eigelstein.

Judging by the cover, the title name, and some of the cartoonish voices, one gets the impression this album was made for children. Maybe John Coltrane's kids, I dunno? Other than the aforementioned voices, this is mainly a superbly crafted Kraut fusion album in the Missus Beastly, Munju, and Mosaik style. Large ensemble featuring multiple saxophones, flutes, horns, guitar, bass, and drums. The compositions and playing are very tight, and some of the sections will have you raising your head repeatedly in amazement. There's some standard jazz noodling as well - but overall a very pleasant surprise and well worth seeking out. 

Priority: 3

8/29/10

Ginbae, Japan

Ginbae. 1976 Seaside

A very heavy album given the 1976 date. Basically a proto metal album with guitar riffs that wouldn't be out of place on a 70's era Judas Priest album. Five tracks with long amplified/phased guitar solos. Some typical Japanese balladry can be found in the vocal sections. Songs are perfunctory, and are merely excuses to launch the next jam session. 

Priority: 3

8/28/10

Coma, Denmark

Financial Tycoon. 1977 Genlyd
Amoc. 1980 Genlyd

Love and Madness - It's All the Same. 1986 Generation

Financial Tycoon is like a direct cross between two of Denmark's finest bands: Dr. Dopo Jam and Secret Oyster. From Dr. Dopo Jam they inherit the obvious Zappa influence, including humorous bits and complex composition style. From Secret Oyster they get the fusion tendencies and instrumental dexterity. Some splendid sax and ripping guitar solos really add spice to the album. I've heard some folks say Financial Tycoon is Canterbury influenced, but I can't say I do.

Not surprisingly, Amoc, released three years later is much more in the fuzak area, with plenty of soft sax and early digital synthesizer action. All is not a total loss, as there's still plenty of rough edged guitar moments and a couple of moodier electric piano driven pieces, with the highlight being the final title track. 

I have not heard the 3rd album to date.

Priority: 2

8/24/10

Alice, France

Alice - Arrêtez le Monde. 1972 Polydor

Alice were a French pop band experimenting with orchestrations and other trendy progressive ideas. In that way, they remind me of the Italian groups doing similar like Delirium's Dolce Acqua or The New Trolls Concerto Grosso No. 1. When Alice are strictly instrumental, they can be highly fascinating, and utilize a multitude of instruments (including mellotron). But they are pop singer-songwriters at heart, and those moments are pretty hard to stomach, unless you're a fan of said style.

Their debut album was reissued as far back as 1996.

Priority: none

8/22/10

Arakontis, Germany

Live at the Quasimodo. 1981 Blackbird

This live album is a fine Latin fusion with some nice guitar driven melody lines, and a fair amount of electric piano. Not atypical for the time and place, and another good example of the style. Not as fusion oriented as Rozz and less Latin influenced than To Be, but both albums provide guideposts of what you can expect from Arakontis. Arakontis also appear on a 4 group compilation album called Berlin Fusion that also features Chameleon, Changes, and Margo.

Priority: none

8/210/10

Bridges, Norway

Fakkeltog. 1980 Våkenatt

It was about 15 years ago or so, while leafing through an LP rarities catalog, that I first came across this Bridges title. The description basically stated that it was pre A-Ha, but you would never know it by the contents of the music. I didn't believe the catalog. I figured it was hype to get top dollar for an obvious rarity. Probably just another pop rock album that didn't sell well. Well the catalog writer was right and I was wrong. This really is something to pay attention to! And it's also filled with irony. A-ha, to many Americans at least, represents the epitome of mid 80s MTV video driven synth pop (I understand that their albums are deeper than that, but the perception remains). So how can it be that the very embodiment of 1980s slick pop, could put out an album in 1980 that sounds like it was from 1968? See, this Bridges album is heavily influenced by the classic Doors sound, right down to the Morrison baritone vocals. As well, most of the instrumentation is vintage including the Hammond organ. Talk about a change in direction! To me, the Doors are a quintessential American band, where the culture is a big part of the sound. So I do think it's hard to appreciate a band from Norway copying the style, even though it's extremely well done. I suppose it's similar to a band from Los Angeles singing in Italian and trying to replicate classic PFM. 

Priority: 3

8/20/10

Combo 8, Sweden

Vibrationer. 1976 Levande Improviserad Musik

Inventive mix of fusion and horn rock. 1976 was a little late in the game for horns to be used in this context, which may explain the typical fusion moves that drag this down a bit. 

Priority: 3

8/19/10

Supply Demand and Curve, Ireland

Supply Demand & Curve. 1976 Mulligan

Supply Demand and Curve provide a vast array of sounds, like a sampler through contemporary Ireland. The primary progressive rock influence is Gentle Giant, especially their more jazzy moments. Even a few traditional instruments are employed. A good album, second to only Fruupp when talking 1970s Irish progressive rock.

Priority: 2

8/15/10

Clicker, USA-Wisconsin

Clicker. 1973 Hemisphere

Private press prog album from Madison, Wisconsin. First couple of tracks are straight forward early 70's rock all the way, though they feature mellotron on the 2nd track. One of the rare places where I really think they used the instrument as a strings sampler rather than as moody accompaniment. This is followed by an atmospheric acoustic guitar driven instrumental. Then a Yes-like proggy piece, having that uniquely Midwestern approach (e.g. Starcastle or Albatross). Another rocker and a short quirky instrumental close out Side 1. Side 2 starts with an amalgamation of their prog and rock tendencies. This leads to the 16 minute closer. After a silly 2 minute introductory narrative, we are treated to a surprisingly great jazz rock instrumental, though there's an overlong and somewhat uninteresting guitar noodle solo section (with no other accompanying instruments). A nice album that grows on you. The good parts are really good.

They have a second album called Harde Har Har Har which I understand to be of much lesser interest (and which would seem obvious, I suppose, given the title of the album)

Priority: 3

8/10/10

Baracca e Burattini, Italy

Hinterland. 1981 Mama Barley

One of many Italian fusion albums from this period, influenced by the Cramps label groups such as Bella Band and late era Canzoniere Del Lazio. Also Perigeo should get a nod here. I also detect a slight Zeuhl underpinning, as noted by the chanted, wordless vocals. On the soft side of said genre, but definitely distinguishes this album from the pack. Band is named after a 1954 Italian film. Worth a few spins.

Priority: 3

8/9/10

Air, Germany

Teilweise Kacke... ...aber Stereo. 1973 Eigenbau

My review for Gnosis from 2006: "One of the most obscure albums from the vast Krautrock scene, Air’s sole album from 1973 has just recently surfaced to the collector’s market. It’s easy to see why. Translating more or less to “Partially Sh*t… …but in Stereo”, and featuring a plain white cover with “Air” in gothic lettering, one gets the impression this was made for fun and distributed to friends and club patrons. Musically it could be categorized as instrumental rock, not that distant from what one would find on a sound library album. That is, generic incidental music used for television and films. Maybe not 100% accurate, as these cuts do seem to be self-contained composed pieces, but similarities do exist, especially considering how simple the songs are. Organ is the featured instrument, and the tones are ancient, more akin to 1965 than 1973. It’s even older sounding than the organ used by Erlkoenig, if that’s possible. The organist doubles on flute, but the playing is more 18th century classical than Osanna. The electric guitar is primarily used only for rhythm and is lacking any kind of rock tone effects. And, of course, there is a drum solo to suffer through. The easy comparison would be the Roland Kovac New Set (another German sound library group), but misses their strong jazz background and creativity, and thus is far less interesting. In conclusion, Air is not a bad album at all, and does make for a nice curiosity."

Priority: none

8/8/10

Arpaderba, Italy

L'Aleph. 1981 Incontro

I first got a chance to hear this rarity while visiting a friend in Rome in 1994, and I noted it as one of the more interesting albums that I heard on the visit. It would be years later before I could even find reference to it, and I began to question the accuracy of my notes. Was this the right band name? Album? Finally, within the last few years, the album has resurfaced, and I've had a chance to hear it again.

Arpaderba are an instrumental medieval folk rock group lead by the former guitarist from Raccomandata Ricevuta Ritorno and Samadhi. Reminds me of somewhat of the bands coming out of Brittany during this time like Avel Nevez or an instrumental Malicorne. Very nicely played (especially the violin), with just a bit too much gloss in the production to have any major impact on the scene. Minimum Vital would later take a similar approach (though with Baroque as a blueprint) and apply much more firepower. Still a very worthy piece and a surprisingly different sound to come out of Italy.

Priority: 3

8/7/10

Tommy Broman, Sweden

Efter Midnatt. 1976 YTF

What we have here is nine strong instrumental compositions with Broman providing electric guitar leads (wonderfully affected with wah, fuzz, phasing, etc..), Bjorn J:Son Lindh on flute, and others on electric piano, congas, and whatever else was gathering dust at the studio. The 70s Swedish ensemble Lotus also comes to mind here. A very good album that few still seem to know about.

Priority: 3

8/6/10

Fondation, France

Sans Etiquette. 1980 Eurock (MC)
Metamorphoses. 1980 private (MC)
La Vaisseau Blanc. 1983 Tago Mago (MC)

***Compilation issued by Bureau B Jan 2018. Since none of the albums have been reissued in full, the entry stays.

Fondation were a duo made up of Ivan Coaquette (Spacecraft, Musica Elettronica Viva) on guitar and electronics and Annanka Raghel on organ and voices. For Sans Etiquette the first side contains one long, dark electronic soundscape (primarily droning organ), with haunting female voice. The other side is more rhythmic with some fine guitar. Metamorphoses is the best of the three featuring a more varied palette, and tracks closest to the Heldon / Spacecraft model (though more dynamic and interesting than Spacecraft). No less worthy, the final album features female French narration from Annanka (she has a beautiful speaking voice), with plenty of excellent guitar and electronics floating on top.

Priority: 2

***La Vaisseau Blanc reissued on LP by Tunnel Vision (2017)

8/4/10; 1/12/18

Morning Sky, USA-New Hampshire

Sea of Dreams. 1976 private

On the surface, New Hampshire based Morning Sky are a typical mid 70s jazz flute ensemble. Then the sweet airy female vocals add some life, and the peppy rhythms recall the Lloyd McNeill Quartet. Then, out of nowhere, arrive these loud fuzz guitar solos that are truly exciting in this context. Fascinating album and very much worth seeking out! 

---

On last night's +2 listen it's apparent I way undersold this one. Heck, I almost went +3 into Self-Actualization territory. A2 and B1 do reach those heights. Perhaps only B2 is a bit wandering and experimental for an album such as this. Both the female and male vocals are soothing and well done. Flute plays a major role as does the electric guitar. The music is ensemble driven, not solo focused, and depending on one's definition could be considered progressive rock. There's more than a nod to Canterbury here, though I think it's coincidental verse a concentrated effort. A brilliant album overall.

Priority: 1

8/3/10

Ken Ramm, Canada

Dragon. 1981 private

A very fine, and professionally produced, early 80s instrumental fusion album. And, lo and behold, the entire FM team is playing on this, which should give this an instant built-in audience. Ramm apparently had the right connections, or a lot of money, as this sounds more like a major label release, than an obscure private.

---

The artist has resurfaced in recent years speaking of reissues, but nothing as of yet. Originals remain very affordable.

Priority: 3

7/27/10

Foehn, France

Faeria. 1985 private

Many years ago I used a description to sell this album that compared Foehn to a mix of Zeuhl and late era new wave pop bands like Swing Out Sister. The customer who bought it, wrote back to tell me that he agreed completely with that comparison and it's why he bought it. That observation has held. Difference is that concept is far more appealing to me than it was in the middle 90s. There's also some fine guitar  here, an instrument that can sometimes be underutilized in the Zeuhl world. A very good album, that I appreciate more now that ever.

Priority: 2

7/25/10

Ocean, Germany

Melody. 1981 Tonstudio Bieber

Double Vision. 1984 TSB

This came as a big surprise, as most of these small German presses from the early 80s are best left alone. And with a moniker like Ocean, a band name that must have been used 269 times by then, the word "generic" couldn't slip my mind. Until I put the disc on that is. If you're looking for references, Symphonic Pictures era SFF isn't a bad place to start. It's not quite in that league, but it's not like the world is filled with similar albums to SFF's debut. Plenty of mellotron (including the much loved choir). Maybe Odyssee's White Swan is another good check point. On the same label as Nanu Urwerk. 

I have not heard Double Vision to date.

Priority: 2

7/24/10

Leucozyt, Germany

Rockjazz. 1982 private

Starts off with a big fat disco beat, and had me wondering if I'd fallen into yet another funky fusion album from Germany. Not this time - it was a red herring, as Leucozyt play a more melodic instrumental jazz rock with sax, flute, and guitar leads. Very nice album, that downplays the era's requisite funky business (though that component remains present). Neat cover.

Priority: 2

7/21/10

Chakra, USA-California

Chakra. 1979 Brother Studio

Commercially oriented progressive rock album, very typical of the late 1970s American scene. The sound is more commonly found in the Midwest, but there were traces found on the left coast with bands such as Jester, Bounty, and Harlequin Mass. Plenty of complexity to satisfy most progressive rock fans, but there's a distinct AOR song craft at play here. Going For the One / Tormato era Yes was a major influence on these bands. 

Priority: 3

7/18/10

Didier Bonin, France

L'Arbre Verre. 1979 private
L'Air Lumiere. 1983 private

***L'Air Lumiere reissued by Creole Stream 2013

A very obscure artist from France who released these two introspective, tranquil instrumental albums. L'Air Lumiere has wordless voice and a bit more fire in the electric guitar work, making it the more desirable of the two. Both featuring quite a bit of acoustic guitar and electronics, and are overall very pleasant outings.

Priority: none

7/17/10

Agamemnon, Switzerland

Part I & II. 1981 private

Similar to other slow moving German/Swiss symphonic groups of the day like Waniyetula (known by most folks as Galaxy on LP), Albatros, early Faithful Breath, and Indigo. According to the liner notes of the LP, there was supposed to be a Part 3 & 4, but guess they lost interest in ol' Agamemnon...

Priority: 3

7/16/10

Aum, Brazil

Belorizonte. 1984 Bemol

At first hearing, Aum seems like a typical late 70s/early 80s fusion group that were a dime a dozen in those days. Then come the guitar solos, which are full of energy, complete with the compressed fuzz tone one would expect to come out of France at this time. Definitely a cut above the ordinary instrumental fusion album.

Priority: 3

7/15/10

Didier, Germany

Cptn. Coffee. 1981 KladielasMusik 

Didier's sole album is an incredibly obscure jazz rock release. Similar to Moira's Reise Nacht Ixtlan*, Cptn. Coffee sounds like something from another era - primarily 1973-74. Psychedelic fuzz guitar, driving bass, echoed German narration, atmospheric piano, and tricky meters with sax breaks ala Soft Machine. This is an exceptional album for its vintage.

* - I've recently learned that both albums were both recorded in the same studio in the same year!

Priority: 1

7/14/10

Cool Feet, Luxembourg

Burning Desire. 1976 private

From Luxembourg, Burning Desire is one of the most expensive of the many underground albums out there. Regularly fetching four figures, it's not too hard to understand why Cool Feet has such a reputation. Blindfolded, you could swear you were listening to some newly unearthed private hard rock album from the US Midwest, say Toledo, situated perfectly on the road from Ohio to Michigan. It has that small dive bar vibe, as patronized by Local Number union members. A four piece, with dual guitars and a gruff vocalist, Cool Feet pretty much delivers kickass hard rock from start to finish. There are a couple of stinkers to endure, as they gave at least a little lip service to their commercial aspirations. Though for me the big surprise was the early Scorpions influence, primarily from Fly to the Rainbow through the Virgin Killer albums. Truth be told, there aren't that many continental European hard rock bands in this style (Belgium's Kleptomania and Vacation also came to mind), and certainly less that remind me of primo era Scorps.

There's a built-in audience for this album, and you know who you are.

Word down at the soup kitchen says that the album was apparently slated for a CD release on Garden of Delights and LP reissue on Amber Soundroom, but one of the members put the kibosh on it. 

Also reading that it's from 1978, so the back cover would appear to be a misprint.

Since 1992, the band has released no less than 14 titles. Strange...

Priority: 3

7/12/10 (new entry); 12/31/24

Northwind, USA-Michigan

Northwind (Last Day at Lokun). 1972 private

Northwind (The Woods of Zandor). 1974 private
Distant Shores. 1977 unreleased

Northwind were a Detroit area progressive rock band that is another fantastic representation of the Midwest music scene of the era. Hints of commercialism abound, but the group cannot resist the tricky compositions, while wailing on all that fat analog gear. Bands like Surprise, Starcastle, Ethos, and Albatross are all good reference points. These albums are available for free on Bandcamp, but I for one would love to see a full blown CD production with liner notes, photos, and a more detailed history. 

I haven't heard the 1972 album yet.

Priority: 2

7/9/10

Trefle, France

Reflet. 1979 private

From the Ange school of French progressive rock. More of an underproduced effort, recalling Grime or the first Synopsis album. One of the better examples of the style, with impassioned vocals and fine guitar work. The atmosphere here is rich. All the songs are short but segue nicely into each other.

There's no date listed anywhere on the album (cover, label, lock in groove, insert). There's quite a bit of dispute about it on Discogs, though 1979 looks to be reasonable.

Priority: 2

7/6/10

Patch, Australia

The Star Suite. 1977 Harvest

Features four long, slow, and drawn out instrumental soft rock pieces with the expected titles of Fire, Water, Earth and Air. Pretty relaxing actually, so a good one to finish the evening off with. Definitely not dull, and it's clear the compositions were thought out. 

Priority: 3

7/1/10

Oniris, France

L'Homme Voilier. 1979 Barclay

Oniris demonstrates strong ties to Ange, Mona Lisa, Grime, Synopsis, Trefle etc… this is the dramatic French vocal symphonic rock we all know and love. 

Priority: 2

6/30/10

Jester, USA-California

Jester. 1978 private

The name alone will no doubt draw snickers from long time critics of progressive rock. And while today a jester is certainly one of the more trite cliches of the movement, in 1978 it hadn't necessarily played itself out yet, so it would be a natural choice for a young band to pursue a moniker such as that. Musically, this Long Beach, California based band were very much a product of their time and place. Like a lot of bands in the late 70s, they decided to hedge their bet by putting one foot into complex progressive rock compositions, and the other into the safer waters of commercial album oriented rock. Unfortunately the latter puts off the former, and the targeted radio audience never materialized. Thus an album such as this finds itself on an obscure list on the internet, only read by deep divers and obsessionists like your humble author. When in progressive rock mode, they remind me most of the 80's California band Drama, but with less fusion elements. Also, the locally produced Bounty EP would be a good reference. I've seen two covers for this - one blue and one red. Not sure which is the original, or if they were both released at the same time.

Priority: 3

6/26/10

Horizont, Sweden

Horizont. 1978 CBS

Andra Vyer. 1979 CBS

Horizont's debut is an interesting album that gives a head fake early, before revealing what they are truly about. For most of Side 1, Horizont play a mix of straight ahead rock (with Swedish vocals) - but with a directness that wouldn't be out of place in 1981 - and more thoughtful progressive rock instrumentals. Side 2 turns on their progressive influences, especially the Hammond and guitar work, and is quite good. It would seem that the band needed to compromise a bit to get released on CBS. 

Interesting to note that while browsing the CD booklet of the Atlas Bla Vardag album, APM had announced their intention to release a Horizont archival album. That indicates to me that the best material was never released during the day, and the album above was indeed a compromise. Of course, that's pure speculation on my part, as APM's CD never did see the light of day.

I haven't heard the second album yet. 

Priority: 3

6/22/10

Good God, USA-Pennsylvania

Good God. 1972 Atlantic

Philadelphia based jazz rock band, that sounds more European than American. Heavily indebted to instrumental Zappa, Good God's album sounds like many groups from Germany, Denmark, and France. Maybe a little too much unhinged sax work for my liking, but still plenty to enjoy here. They cover Zappa's 'King Kong' and John McLaughlin's 'Dragon Song', both of which perfectly fit their style. 

Priority: 2

6/21/10

Docmec, Switzerland

Objet Non Identifie. 1976 Javeline

First side is live, and demonstrates the band's clear Genesis influence. Here they recall the similarly minded Kyrie Eleison. Side 2 is in the studio, and is more original, with plenty of introspective quieter moments. There's more of a French influence here, and I hear elements of Pentacle and Orion on these tracks. 

Priority: 3

6/19/10

Chetarca, Australia

Chetarca. 1977 Atlantic

Like many bands from Australasia, Chetarca seemed to have a fondness for boogie rock. And if you can get through the first few minutes of the opening couple of tracks, then you'll be rewarded with some truly progressive music, featuring dual keyboards and a host of exciting ideas. Similar in some ways to the New Zealand group Airlord. 

Priority: 3

6/18/10

Credemus, Germany

Auf Dem Weg... 1984 Werola

Christian symphonic rock with female vocals like Eden, Werwolf, Gloria's Children, or maybe Sweden's Autumn Breeze - though Credemus aren't as consistent as those groups. This is one of those albums I bought from Eurock back in the late 1980s. Pretty scarce nowadays.

Priority: none

6/13/10

Drops, Denmark

Drops. 1976 Hookfarm

Of the multitude of obscure fusion albums released in the mid 1970s, Drops is definitely in the top tier of that bunch. Foregoing the temptation to add US styled funk seems to be the separator, while the band focuses more on melody and composition rather than pointless solos. Five piece group with all the requisite instrumentation (sax, flute, el. piano, synthesizer, guitar, bass and drums). While certainly not at the level of the best German fusion groups like Embryo or Missus Beastly, Drops is well worth considering especially if your tastes run more towards jazz than rock. Features two members from Thors Hammer. 

Priority: 2

6/12/10