Krautrock Album Database

Albums

Ikarus 1971

Ikarus (Miller Records 1971)

Album Legnth: 41.03

Recorded: February 1971 Windrose-Dumont-Time Studio

Genre: Progressive Rock/Jazz

Best Song: 'The Raven'

Release Info: 1995 CD Reissue Second Battle SB 032

Tracks:

1. Eclipse 15.09
2. Mesentery 6.34
3. The Raven 11.44
4. Early Bell's Voice 7.46

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Overview:

Ikarus was a progressive jazz-rock sextet fronted by Joachen Peterson who soon after started focusing on producing albums. Their 1971 self-titled album was their one and only outing. Musically, the band takes a little bit of influence from King Crimson in terms of arrangement, but as a whole Ikarus maintain a high degree of originality throughout the album. Lyrically, the album is full of liberal ideology on love, peace and the environment. The album opens with the fifteen-minute 'Eclipse' composed of two parts: 'Scyscrapers' and 'Sooner or Later'. 'Eclipse' showcases the bands ability to utilize its vast musicality and produce complex arrangements and dramatic themes. The song utilizes sax, clarinet, mellotron, and organ as well as your normal rock instruments. 'Mesentery' while still maintaining a jazz feeling ventures off at times towards space-rock. Borrowing the lyrics from the famous Edgar Allen Poe poem, 'The Raven' displays a highly eccentric jazz-rock fusion which is reminiscent of Zappa. This track is dominated by extremely complex riffs and funky instrumental arrangements. This album offers up top notch musicianship and a strong jazz rock fusion sound. It might not appeal to all Kraut fans, but I am sure it has its niche. [4/5 Doug]

Musicians:

Jochen Petersen - Guitar, Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet, Vocals
Wulf Dieter Struntz - Organ, Piano
Manfred Schulz - Guitar, Vocals
Wolfgang Kracht - Bass, Vocals
Lorenz Köhler: Vocals
Bernd Schröder: Drums, Percussion