HR122 - Das Freie Orchester - Rio De Trans - C60 — 1989
Side A:
Die Hose Fällt
This House
Arabicum II
Nicht wie Du
Der Mantel
In the highland
Tortour de France
Side B:
Ich erhebe mich
Solitude
Yo te quero
ABC
Die Pyramide
Mugabe - Zugabe
Black & white Dance (Encore)
Die Hose Fällt
This House
Arabicum II
Nicht wie Du
Der Mantel
In the highland
Tortour de France
Side B:
Ich erhebe mich
Solitude
Yo te quero
ABC
Die Pyramide
Mugabe - Zugabe
Black & white Dance (Encore)
REVIEW by Jerry Kranitz
Das Freie Orchester (DFO) formed in Communist run East Germany and was forced to function in a dangerously unofficial capacity. Despite the risks, the band released several cassette albums. This live set was recorded in the culture hall of the VEB Stern-Radio on March, 31, 1989 and features the quintet of Bärbel Willner, Jörg Thomasius, Dieter Zobel, Gui Gust, and Carsten Spindler. I’ve heard several DFO tapes and this one is a smoker, showcasing the band at their avant-rocking, prog-punking best.
The music is already in full force when the tape starts, an aggressively chaotic yet determined free-wheeling assault of guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and vocals. Imagine a more punk free-jazz version of Can with Nina Hagen on vocals. (Nina also being from East Germany.) After a while the band tighten up as frenetically rocking drums set a steady pace, augmented by dueling bass and guitar leads, tinkling keys, and Bärbel Willner’s dazzling punk-opera vocals. The tension and volume ease for a bit as the musicians take a breath while Bärbel’s vocals explore.
The tape lists 14 track titles but the entire set is a continuous evolution through blazing rock and moody, thematic exploration. It’s a stellar morph-and-mix of heavy rock, prog, free-jazz, psychedelia, punk, and theater. DFO excel at achieving freeform pandemonium while operating as a tightly wound force of nature. Outstanding musicians with a no holds barred, experimental mindset. I would rank them along with early German pioneers (‘Krautrock’ if you prefer) like Can, Faust, and Amon Düül II, with an added punk and theatrically influenced aesthetic.
Das Freie Orchester (DFO) formed in Communist run East Germany and was forced to function in a dangerously unofficial capacity. Despite the risks, the band released several cassette albums. This live set was recorded in the culture hall of the VEB Stern-Radio on March, 31, 1989 and features the quintet of Bärbel Willner, Jörg Thomasius, Dieter Zobel, Gui Gust, and Carsten Spindler. I’ve heard several DFO tapes and this one is a smoker, showcasing the band at their avant-rocking, prog-punking best.
The music is already in full force when the tape starts, an aggressively chaotic yet determined free-wheeling assault of guitar, bass, drums, percussion, and vocals. Imagine a more punk free-jazz version of Can with Nina Hagen on vocals. (Nina also being from East Germany.) After a while the band tighten up as frenetically rocking drums set a steady pace, augmented by dueling bass and guitar leads, tinkling keys, and Bärbel Willner’s dazzling punk-opera vocals. The tension and volume ease for a bit as the musicians take a breath while Bärbel’s vocals explore.
The tape lists 14 track titles but the entire set is a continuous evolution through blazing rock and moody, thematic exploration. It’s a stellar morph-and-mix of heavy rock, prog, free-jazz, psychedelia, punk, and theater. DFO excel at achieving freeform pandemonium while operating as a tightly wound force of nature. Outstanding musicians with a no holds barred, experimental mindset. I would rank them along with early German pioneers (‘Krautrock’ if you prefer) like Can, Faust, and Amon Düül II, with an added punk and theatrically influenced aesthetic.