Sturmpercht - A wilde Zeit [Percht - 2009]A wilde Zeit is not the new album from Sturmpercht the masters and inventors of alpine- folk form; but it’s a fairly wonderful and consistent collection of odd’s and ends by the band which comes in near the 80 minute mark & offers up 18 varied tracks. Though this just misser's been as great as their first two & now classical album’s Stürm Ins Leben Wild Hinein & Geister im Waldgebir- there’s a good share of great to very good tracks on offer here. And a few of my favourite moments come in the form of: Die Wilde Jagd Vom Untersberg which starts off with what sounds like recordings from a mountain top work shop with a great stone shaping tone, water and various taping sounds before the track jumps into a jaunting slightly drunken accordion, bell and percussion stomp with the bands trade mark Germanic drinking hall vocals on top. Der Wilde Jäger Vom Untersberg with its eerier and emotional 80’s synth simmer, mournful bass line and chilling vocal tone; which all brings to mind uncertain emotional walks in winter-time forests. The wonderful warming sun and rising acoustic repetition, bells and bass line of Das Geschenk Der Wildfrau; which gives one the feeling of walking in a spring soaked alpine meadow just as the sun comes up. Der Marsch Der Wampelereiter which finds Sturmpercht in wonderful buoyant & stein slamming mood with its prime mixed brass marching air. And I could go on and on, you see unlike many bands odds ‘n’ ends collections this is full with enjoyable and consistent songs that are far from throw away tracks; with only say one or two of the 18 tracks not been utterly wonderful. Another great release from both Sturmpercht and the always wonderful Percht label. With special mention needed once more for the excellent album artwork; with the album coming in fold-out digi-pak that made to look like a log cabin floor with pictures of the band and wonderful old and quirky Austrian snaps Roger Batty
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