Out Of Focus - Out Of Focus (1971) [Remastered 2010]

Esoteric Recordings continue with releases on their new Reactive imprint, (dedicated to reissues of classic German rock), with a journey into the catalogue of Eckart Rahn’s legendary KUCKUCK label. KUCKUCK was responsible for releasing many great albums in Germany in the early 1970s, including those by the wonderful Out Of Focus. Featuring Moran Neumuller (vocals, sax, flute), Remigus Dreschler (guitar), Hennes Hering (keyboards), Stephan Wisheu (bass) and Klaus Spori (drums), this legendary Munich based band were contemporaries of acts such as Amon Duul II and recorded three classic and highly collectable albums for the label. This self-titled album was the band ‘s second release for KucKuck and saw OUT OF FOCUS look towards a more Jazz influenced direction, whilst retaining their Underground rock stance on epic tracks such as Whispering and Television Program.

On their eponymous second album, Out of Focus further develop their progressive jazz-rock sound, at the same time pushing in other directions as well. The rhythm section is still as upbeat and funky as ever, with those repetitive but odd rhythm patterns. There is now more sax in the mix, as well as the flute riffing, guitar wails, and chunky organ chords, with each instrument allowed ample soloing and no instrument over-dominant. If anything, this one dispenses with some of the heavy rock sound to get closer to the jazz influences. They slow down the pace on the strange folk song "It's Your Life" as well as the even stranger "Blue Sunday Morning" with its airy flute, church organ, and bizarre song narration. Lyrics are even sharper, whether ripping into the banality of television or the hypocrisy of religion, with the dark-edged humor more firmly in place. On the suite "Fly Bird Fly"/"Television Program," the group veers from soft to full in-your-face intensity while staying on a bouncy riff. On long tracks like this one and "Whispering," they throw a lot of variation over repetitive grooves to create mesmerizing jams that are both incredibly loose and far more focused than the average jam band. ~ Review by Rolf Semprebon





Track Listing

01. What Can A Poor Boy Do (But To Be A Street Fighting Man) (5:53)
02. It's Your Life (4:31)
03. Whispering (13:34)
04. Blue Sunday Morning (8:20)
05. Fly Bird Fly (5:08)
06. Television Programm (11:46)

Produced by Out Of Focus

The Band

• Remigius Drechsler: Guitar
• Hennes Hering: Organ, Piano
• Moran Neumüller: Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Lead Vocal
• Stefan Wisheu: Bass
• Klaus Spöri: Drums, Percussion

Notes

24-bit digital remastering by Ben Wiseman at The Audio Archiving Compnay, London





Many thanks to the original uploader: tull71

SEE also:
Ancient Grease 1970 Women And Children First [Remastered 2003]

Cargo 1972 Cargo [Reissue 2009] Digipak

Out Of Focus 1970 Wake Up! [Remastered 2010]