VARIOUS ARTISTS
80S ROCK GEMS FROM GERMANY VOL. 2 (3LP)

In the early 1980s, there were a number of exciting albums in Germany that still sounded very much like the prog and Krautrock of the 1970s, but also featured elements of the emerging 1980s sound. In English, this is known as a 'missing link'. The three records included in this box set didn't have it easy back in 1980 and 1981. Stylistically, they were in a bit of a no-man's-land or weren't exactly considered 'in tune with the times'; what's more, the LPs were released by a rather small record label that was also new to the business and only went on to make a name for itself later in the heavy metal scene. The great thing about it is that the albums are now sought-after rarities and are being discovered by a new generation of fans, whilst those who were 'there at the time' are finally taking notice of them thanks to the reissues.

The album "Cage Company" by the Mannheim band CANARY was released in 1981 and, in good condition, can now be bought for no less than 80 euros – if it turns up at all. This is hardly surprising, as the blend of hard rock, Krautrock and prog attracts the interest of several different audiences.

Not much is known about IRIS from the Stuttgart/Esslingen area. In 1981, the seven-piece band recorded their only album for the small label PEAK, which naturally lacked the financial resources to establish IRIS. Furthermore, the sophisticated yet at times hard-rocking material sounded like what is generally referred to as – or can be described as – Krautrock. Consequently, any move towards the then-popular NDW scene was completely out of the question.

If you look at fan or collector websites dedicated to Krautrock and prog rock online, you'll find plenty of praise for the highly sophisticated LP "This Way" by the band TONIC. An original copy in decent condition can no longer be found for less than 100 euros today. The LP was released in 1980 on the Peak label and was recorded at Sypgel Studios in Kirchheim/Teck. Peak was one of the labels run by Peter Garattoni and Günther Marek, both of whom were active as musicians with Eulenspygel. As was so often the case, Achim Bosch (Sinner, Iris, Sphinx, Floating Opera, etc.) was responsible for the mix. Following the release, most of the band members went on to appear with the group Tiefste Provinz (one album). Only saxophonist Michael Draskowitsch remained active for many years as a session musician on various albums.

This box set is a treat for rock fans, prog enthusiasts and Krautrock fans!