LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Label: Walhalla

The self-titled debut by Abacus is a strong early-1970s German progressive rock album, originally released on Polydor in 1971. The band’s sound is built around Hammond organ, guitar, bass and expressive English vocals, giving the record a classic heavy-prog character while still leaving room for more psychedelic and jam-oriented passages.

The long opening piece, Pipedream Revisited Part I & II, immediately shows the group’s ambition, moving through organ-led sections, shifting rhythms and dramatic vocal parts. Elsewhere, Song For Brunhilde, Song For John And Yoko and Radbod Blues add folk-psych, blues and symphonic touches, making the album a rewarding listen for fans of German underground progressive rock from the early Krautrock era.

1. Pipedream Revisited Part I & II – 9:34
2. Capuccino – 4:03
3. Don't Beat So On The Horses – 4:30
4. Song For Brunhilde – 4:34
5. Song For John And Yoko – 5:04
6. Radbod Blues – 5:46
7. Chestholder – 5:39