New release from Blutharsch: this is yet another confirmation of how Albin Julius' band has now refined and perfected their new sound formula based on psychedelia, space-rock, and kraut-rock. In this latest work, titled rejoice, the sound has become more powerful and structured: it's as if Blutharsch had jumped into a time machine to touch down in early '70s Germany where music was dominated by Krautrock bands like Guru Guru and Amon Düül II. Never have Blutharsch been as rigorous and calligraphic as on this occasion. But mine is not a critique; on the contrary, for me, this is the best album in the phase that began with The Philosophers Stone. The legacy of their martial-industrial past is now only found in a tendency towards a typically German and very energetic sound. In the opening track (as usual untitled), a powerful drum is followed by an acidic, decisive, and unembellished guitar. The sounds are minimalistic and the music is a sort of acid and psychedelic rock that we will hear throughout the entire album. The next track, on the other hand, is electronic and spatial and close to the Cosmic Couriers and early Tangerine Dream! Truly, Blutharsch are continually expanding their horizons. Compared to the past, the atmospheres are less raw and at this point, I think they will also appeal to those who appreciate psychedelia and space-rock. The sixth track is a raga-rock that seems to have come out of Wolf City by Amon Düül II, while the seventh is epic with mystical and dark voices in the background and an acidic guitar just where it needs to be. The final track might be the sunniest moment of the album and it transports us to San Francisco during the Summer Of Love! Certainly at this point, I would be curious to know what the old followers think of this transformation, but I believe that Albin Julius is not concerned about that. I have no doubts in always loving their music! Available on Bandcamp: https://derblutharsch.bandcamp.com/album/rejoice.
Tracklist
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