Ash Ra Tempel - Seven Up (1973) Review

Songs:

01. Space - 16:02
02. Time - 21:36


This is an early recording of Ash Ra Tempel (however, Klaus Schultze is not present). The album moves between minimal blues rock, psychedelic, progressive and chaotic patterns. Each one of the two lengthy tracks consists of small sub-tracks. These parts can be recognized as distinct songs, but in all it does not matter. The composition and the whole recording lifts you up and drags you down with emotion throughout the songs, that I suppose that it could be difficult ot wanting to hear the whole song as one.


"Space" begins with "Downtown", a smooth, psych/blues combination with fuzzy vocals and a relaxing tune. At some point, "weird" sound effects come in, disturbing the calmness. You think that a lost tape of Tangerine Dream was mixed there... well no! Almost in an instant a full bunch of the trademark ashra tempel's dark, rich dronic music kicks in you before you know it! (this part is called "Power Drive"). The repeating lyrics and echoed/loony vocals keep your attention for a long time before another ambient/psychedelic break is introduced.

Shortly, the next part, "Right hand lover" begins. To be honest, if it wasnt for the characteristic minimal guitar and the sound efffects, you would think that you are listening to an early hard rock piece. The madness continues with the last song, "Velvet Genes". It begins with a mood close to some ghostly ethnic, kinda like In den Garten Pharaos style. It progresses into something like a standard 4/4 rock'n'roll song. Towards the end, more weird effects and some random lyrics are heard.

Overall, this track reminded me at times a lot of the sound of NEU! due to the continuous drumming. The overall sound though is way more psychedelic and chaotic.  



"Time" begins in a great way. Distant space effects at the start, and then more noisy effects! A melody tries to kick in, some minimal drumming too. The tension raises until a break comes. Again, distant, subtle flute sounds come in. Drumming and obscure vocals attempt to break the calmness, and gradually this is achieved. The "madness" kicks in and leave you wondering. A "calm" break is introduced again. The music plays around in circles. The last sub-track, "She" features minimal lyrics: Just "She" all the time with altering emotions and a tight background music. OK, this song is also terrific.


This is a magnificent album. The combination of minimal blues and rock into a mad sum of psychedelic, ambient, chaotic and highly experimental outcome is supreme. Highly recomended for fans of early CAN, Amon Duul II, Tangerine Dream and I would suggest post-rockers as well. (Both this album and "Schwingungen" feature rough, uncompromised vocals and "chaotic" song structure).

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