Amon Duul II - Vive La Trance (1974)

Amon Duul II - Vive La Trance {2007 remaster}

"Wolf City" may be arguably described as the last of the "classic" AMON DUUL II albums, which were known to have long improvisational psychedelic jams. On its follow-up "Vive la Trance" it is possible to notice the turn towards more song-structured compositions and generally shorter tracks. Yes, even the listening experience is slightly more accessible to uninitiated listeners. In other words, if you are new to AMON DUUL II, or the Kraut-rock in general, you may want to start listening from here (Ah, I said that already when reviewing "Wolf City", but then I did not listen to "Vive la Trance"!). That said, it must be noted that "Vive la Trance" is still an excellent record, even if it traded
psychedelic experiments with sometimes "poppy" structure of songs. It is also amazing that a careful listener can trace rudimentary forms of basic sound with simple chords, jangly guitars and even danceable rhythms that was to characterise much of the New Wave sound of the early 1980s; just listen to bass and guitar on the closing "Ladies Mimikry" - it sounds almost like GANG OF FOUR. Renate Knaup gives wonderful vocal performances in "Fly United", "Jalousie" and "Mozambique", which are among the best tracks on the album. Music is, although somewhat simpler, still filled with strong and precise guitars and violins, while the use of synths is more prominent than before. The last 3 or 4 songs are loosing content quite a bit, so it is obvious that the band's creative energy during making of this album was rapidly diminishing . Overall this album is very good and if you would like to get used to German progressive "Kraut" rock scene of the 1970s but you are reluctant to listen to sometimes excessively experimental, noisy and psychedelic stuff, then you should try this one.

I hear sounds that would later influence other German bands, in particular Jane on the instrumental "Im Krater Blühn Wieder Die Bäume", which reminds me of their "Age of Madness" period. While the music is often innovative if chaotic, I do hear some 60s influences, especially in the Dylan-esque but charming "Apocalyptic Bore". Renate's "Jalousi" provides a break from the pace and makes me wonder if Kate Bush might have followed this band in her younger years. And just when I think they are getting boring and repetitive, from left field comes a cool fiddle solo in "Dr". And "Manana " is as close as you get to a lovely song, with innovative guitar work.



Studio Album, released in 1974

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. A morning excuse (3:19)
2. Fly United (3:33)
3. Jalousie (3:27)
4. Im Krater blühn wieder der Bäume (3:08)
5. Mozambique (7:40)
6. Apocalyptic bore (6:38)
7. Dr. (3:00)
8. Trap (3:35)
9. Pig man (2:38)
10. Mañana (3:20)
11. Ladies mimikry (3:18)

Bonus Track 2007 remaster

12. Hands Up Fool (6:15)
13. Pink Purple (7:05)
14. Look (4:59)
15. Bomb 4:12)

Total Time: 66:08

Line-up / Musicians

- Robby Heibl / bass, acoustic guitar, violin, vocals
- Chris Karrer / acoustic & electric guitars, violin, saxophone, vocals
- Renate Knaup-Kroetenschwanz / vocals
- Peter Leopold / drums, percussion
- Lothar Meid / bass, vocals
- Falk U. Rogner / organ, synthesizers
- John Weinzierl / acoustic & electric guitars, vocals

With:

- Desmond Bonner / backing vocals
- Keith Forsey / percussion
- Peter Kramper / synthesizers
- Olaf Kübler / percussion, saxophone

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