Thursday 10 September 2015

German Touch





Let's forget about that grotesque cover, presumably hinting at an interesting theatrical show associated with this band and work.  The music itself is very enjoyable Genesis-style inventive and well-written with picturesque Gabrielian singing.  By far the best track is the closer, the Dawn of Fantasy:





For those interested in more information, I'll simply redirect you to the October 2013 assessment by Tom Hayes (where he generously gave it a 3):


"Strange little "supergroup" led by H.J. Putz (from the first Mythos album) and Zeus B. Held, and also featuring guys who had played with Pell Mell and Guru Guru. Blatant Genesis cloning. A bit poppy at times, but not bad. Hilariously awful cover art." 

Germany certainly had no shortage of bands influenced by Gabriel era Genesis in the late 70s and early 80s including Neuschwanstein, Ivory, Sirius, and a host of others. The populous nation had a head start on the burgeoning NWOBPR scene that was about to take hold in England. Unfortunately there was little market for progressive music in Germany at the time, and all the bands faded rather quickly. Touch features a violinist, and his fine playing recalls Hoelderlin's own Genesis phase ("Clowns and Clouds" specifically). The vocals do resemble the theatrical elements of Mr. Gabriel quite well. The instrumental work throughout is above standard, and I'm impressed with the overall production. The use of Moog sequencing is refreshing in this context. There is, as noted by The AC, a fair amount of commercial pandering - yet another harbinger of the ill-conceived "neo prog" aspect of the once promising NWOBPR movement. The compositions are diverse, and well thought out. Fans of early 80s Genesis inspired progressive music will love this one.

The instrumental work sells this one for me. So I give this a priority: 3.

Well said, indeed, and thanks Tom.

8 comments:

  1. https://www.sendspace.com/pro/dl/0y3jek

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    1. julian i really want to here this but google blocked the file saying it was malisious and it may harm my brousing is there any other way i can get this thanks much never happen here before

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    2. I' ve been getting the same error message lately from people I trust, it's so odd. For sure there is no malicious content in there, I usually just use another browser like internet explorer and there's no problem. Otherwise try this upload:
      http://netkups.com/?d=5be164ecc634a

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    3. julian thank you so much i am greatly indebted to you thanks for all the work you do and the great posts your blog is the best thanks again roger

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  2. thank you Mr Julian..maybe you have lossless the Lady Lake - Unearthed (1979-80) cd?
    thanks in advance

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  3. Hi Julian
    OK creative work but without great melody !

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    Replies
    1. this must be one of those albums some will hate, some love...

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