Electric Sandwich - ST 72 - Germany
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Artist: Electric Sandwich
Album: Electric Sandwich
Released: 1972
Brain (Brain 2004 - LC-01846)
Genre: PRog-Fusion
The legendary Brain label was set up in 1971 as a sub-label of Hamburg-based record label Metronome. The German rock music scene was just evolving at that time, and the goal of the Brain label was to further talents in this field. Apart from top selling acts it also signed on bands that may not have got much attention from the broad public but nevertheless have to be counted among the most remarkable and outstanding bands of their times. Among them is Electric Sandwich, a jazz rock/fusion band from the city of Bonn, who released their only, self-titled album in 1973 (Brain catalogue number 1018).
Electric Sandwich were formed in late 1969 out of a loose formation of session musicians. Instead of working out a standard repertoire, they agreed early on to just start playing whatever came to mind. Having fun was the motto of the hour. Out of these sessions, a steady line-up slowly evolved with a complete programme of arranged pieces that left lots of room for improvisation and showed a high degree of vitality, especially on stage.
The track "China", for example, (released not only on the album, but as a single B-side to "On my mind" [Brain 507] as well) showed strong influences from German fusion stars like Xhol or Kollektiv and impressed through a wonderful saxophone. Singer Jochen Carthaus sang in a blues-like style that gave the songs their unique touch.
What's so fascinating about "Electric Sandwich" is the fact that each of the seven songs is different from the rest even though the band developed a homogeneous sound concept. Asked about the diversity of styles his band toyed around with, songwriter Ohlert replied: "Electric Sandwich are not limited to one single style of music. We change styles, even in the middle of a song, because we want our music to be alive." To achieve this goal the band not only rehearsed every week but also reserved one evening of the week to discuss their respective creative visions. The lyrics deal with stories that complete a full circle from birth to death. In "Nervous Creek", for example, Electric Sandwich tell the story of a river eventually flowing into the sea. "Material Darkness" deals with the life of a city dweller. In the release information, Wolf Fabian comments: "We deliberately like to create an intellectual attitude. We try to design our lyrics in a way that allows a listener with poor knowledge of English to understand them."
Electric Sandwich's only album had a most outstanding opening track, the 8 minute instrumental "China", with a repetitive, percussive rhythm and fuzzy wah-wah guitar. Other tracks had an impressive electronically treated sax style reminiscent of Ian Underwood. The guitar work was fine, but the creaky vocals less impressive! Fortunately, large parts of the album were instrumental. "Devil's Dream" and "Nervous Creek" had a slight blues feel and loud rock arrangements. Side two mellowed a bit, with softer jazz and slow boogie blues styles. Again this was a Dieter Dierks production, and one you should check out! It was released on the green Brain label in 1972 in a funny fold-out cover, picturing a fancy, electric sandwich! The quintet was from Bonn. They were: Jorg Ohlert (guitar, organ, mellotron), Klaus Lormann (bass), Jochen Carthaus (vocals, sax, harmonica) and Wolf Fabian (drums).
Enjoyable and melodical Hard-Blues-Rock from Germany with English lyrics (good singer!) . Really not much Kraut here, and that's probably why I like it Only the opener is Kraut/Space/Psych-related...
It has some LED ZEPPELIN ("Archie's Blues")/BLACK SABBATH-like bits, with good saxes solo (great "I want you" ballad) and this fine-sounding Hammond organ. Songs are well progressing with themes and moods changing frequently.ELECTRIC SANDWICH reminded me more of SPOOKY TOOTH, THIN LIZZY and TEN YEARS AFTER. Prog- related/Heavy Blues English bands - the same atmosphere and attitude. A good example for 70s Art Rock lovers and a good one for collectors too. 2.5 stars really, and also the version I have is of 9 songs (including GNIDROLOG-like "Material Darkness", "China"'s shortened version and simple rocky "On my Mind"). Recommended despite its obvious "collectors mainly" character - Progarchives
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jorg Ohlert (guitar);
Jochen Carthaus (harp);
Klaus Lormann (bass guitar);
Wolf Fabian (drums).
Track List:
1.China
2.Devil's Dream
3.Nervous Creek
4.It's No Use to Run
5.I Want You
6.Archie's Blues
7.Material Darkness
|
