Living Force – s/t. 1977. 10=10. Was introduced to this New Zealand title many years ago through the Poorhouse boot. Finally obtained an LP last year and already up for another revisit. Santana is the obvious blueprint. Plenty of Sri Chinmoy spirituality references, not to mention the trademark guitar style. These are most apparent on the percussion heavy instrumentals. The song style tracks are more in line with other bands from Australasia during the 70s. I hear bits of Pantha in particular, and smaller doses of Dragon, Ragnarok, and Sebastian Hardie. Only misstep is ‘Sail This Boat’, an insipid pop number that wouldn’t be out of place on a time travel American Idol. Wished they’d done an entirely instrumental album – it would’ve been a killer.

Drahk Von Trip – Heart & Consequence. 2005. D: 11. New Swedish group who play a mix of space rock and aggressive neo psych. Large scale 6 piece group with female vocals and plenty of different instruments (violin, flute, “vintage synthesizers”, multiple percussion, and some highly unusual wind instruments like the yidaki, a specific type of didgeridoo). Some of the guitar work is quite inspiring. Though they have elements of many bands from White Willow to Hawkwind to Azalia Snail to Ozric Tentacles, DVT do not remind me of any one group. 10 lengthy and somewhat complex tracks allow for much growth for future listens. Swedish label Transubstans, within the last year, have established themselves as the best new “go to” label in some time, perhaps since Soleil Zeuhl anyway.

Panzerballet – s/t. 2006. D: 10 . New German instrumental quartet (g-sax-b-d) that mixes jazz fusion with metal and funk. If nothing else, after dominating the power metal and neo prog fields for almost 20 years now, it’s nice to see the Germans getting back to their deep 70s jazz rock roots. Sax player sometimes will play unusual sounds – similar to a synthesizer almost. The juxtaposition of metal guitar and saxophone is usually fascinating, and Panzerballet do not disappoint. This is tight, complex, impeccably played modern instrumental music. Surprised this wasn’t on InsideOut or Magna Carta. Professional music school. This one will get instant respect.