Panzerpappa: Koralrevens Klagesang

Touching on a number of progressive tendencies, from the gentler Canterbury jazz rock represented here with a guest vocal performance by Richard Sinclair, to the edgier rhythmic divisions of early period Henry Cow, with admixtures of Iskander-era Suspersister and even a touch of that more rounded, safer sounding stuff Camel was best known for – again nodding towards the Sinclair voiced Raindances – Panzerpappa has created a completely entertaining albiet somewhat light album with Koralrevens Klagesang.

Koralrevens Klagesang begins with a stately, nearly funereal piece that has a sort of slow, formal and majestic air that dabbles a little in pure sound, some ambience and near perfect integration of its constiuent parts. But this piece proves to be a stylistic feint. Rushing ahead and rarely looking back, the second track introduces most of the tonality and pacing to follow: Alto sax, keys and percussion, usually analog sounding synths – now and again doing great imitations of giant, flapping rubber lips – melodica, guitars which tend to sound a lot like Phil Miller, bass and stick; odd vocalise (though rarely used – this CD is virtually all instrumental with only a few exceptions outside Sinclair's beautifully sung track) and a variety of less popular acoustic instruments complete the large ensemble feel. Even though we're rarely listening to more than four musicians at a time the pieces are full to bursting with phrases, variations, themes and voices. Driven mostly by the sax, there's a tendency to apply contrast by alternating between creamy smooth, harmonically lush passages and rhythmically complex, staccato passages that show off some much needed grittiness.

While Koralrevens Klagesang is not up to the alarmingly brilliant levels of recent works by The Muffins – who do perhaps the best job of taking in all the influences mentioned here, and more, while managing to make it all their own – but a good, diverse collection worthwhile for much more than the Sinclair guest spot.

Track Listing
1) Korallrevens Klangesang I
2) Korallrevens Klangesang II
3) Kantonesisk Kanotur
4) Apraxia
5) Snill Sang Pa Band
6) Etyde
7) Vintervake
8) Frentisk Frenologi
9) Korallrevens Klangesang III

Added: May 7th 2007
Reviewer: Kerry Leimer
Score:
Related Link: Panzerpappa Website
Hits: 2305
Language: english

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