Artist: Amon Düül II Album: Vive La Trance

Year: 1973
Duration: 0:0-1

Vive La Trance: A of Amon Düül II's Album

Amon Düül II is a German rock band that had a major influence on the krautrock genre during the early 1970s. They were known for their psychedelic sounds, experimental approach, and unconventional song structures. One of their most celebrated albums is Vive La Trance, which was released in 1973. In this post, we will take a critical look at this album, discuss the history behind Amon Düül II, the music genre of the album, the best songs, the most innovative parts, and our thoughts on the overall quality of the release.
Amon Düül II formed in Munich in 1967 as part of a larger artistic community called the Amon Düül commune. The band members lived together and shared everything, including their music. They became known for their free-form jam sessions, where they would improvise for hours without any real structure. This approach led to the creation of some of their most iconic songs, including those found on Vive La Trance.
The music genre of the album can be classified as krautrock – a German music movement that emerged in the late 1960s. Krautrock was characterized by its non-conformity to traditional rock music structures and included elements of electronic, experimental, and psychedelic music. Vive La Trance is a perfect example of this genre, with its unconventional rhythms, diverse instrumentation, and unorthodox song structures.
The album features several standout tracks, including the psychedelic opener Mozambique, the lengthy and meandering Apocalyptic Bore, and the driving rock anthem Fly United. However, the best song on the album is undoubtedly Deutsch Nepal. This track features a haunting melody, spacey synthesizer sounds, and a driving rhythm section that creates a sense of urgency and unease. It's no wonder that this song has become a staple in Amon Düül II's live sets and has been covered by numerous other bands.
The most innovative part of Vive La Trance is the band's use of electronic instrumentation. This was a relatively new concept at the time, and Amon Düül II embraced it wholeheartedly. The album features numerous electronic sounds, including many produced by a unique synthesizer called the EMS Synthi 100. These sounds add a new dimension to the band's already unconventional sound and make Vive La Trance a truly groundbreaking album.
While Vive La Trance is undoubtedly a landmark album, it can also be a challenging listen for some. The band's experimental approach can lead to meandering and unnecessarily long songs, and some listeners may find it difficult to connect with the music. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate adventurous and unconventional music will find much to enjoy on this album.
In conclusion, Vive La Trance is an important album in the history of krautrock and a testament to the creativity and innovation of Amon Düül II. While it may be a challenging listen for some, its unique sound and groundbreaking use of electronic instrumentation make it an essential addition to any music lover's collection. The standout tracks, innovative parts, and the overall quality of the release prove that this German band was not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what was possible in music. Vive La Trance is a testament to the power of creativity, experimentation, and an enduring spirit of exploration in music.
In conclusion, Vive La Trance is an important album in the history of krautrock and a testament to the creativity and innovation of Amon Düül II. While it may be a challenging listen for some, its unique sound and groundbreaking use of electronic instrumentation make it an essential addition to any music lover's collection. The standout tracks, innovative parts, and the overall quality of the release prove that this German band was not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what was possible in music. Vive La Trance is a testament to the power of creativity, experimentation, and an enduring spirit of exploration in music.