Short Reviews [Vibravoid - 2024 - "An Introduction To"]

There is definitely an argument to be made that Christian (Dr) Koch's band are probably the finest psychedelic/krautrock rock band in Germany and have held that crown for more than 30 years. During that period they have released 22 studio albums, countless live albums, singles and EPs. "Live At Finkenbach 2015" made it to No. 2 on the official German vinyl sales charts and "Live At Rheinkaut Festival" stayed for several weeks in the Top 20 of the German CD sales charts. They have been releasing tracks on FdeM since 2009, covering bands such as covers of classic 60s tracks, including Can, Pink Floyd, Vanilla Fudge, Iron Butterfly and H.P. Lovecraft. This brings together many of those songs, but after the decision had been made regarding this collection, Christian went back to the band's original recordings and remastered them for the first CD, and then compiled a second CD comprising previously unreleased live recordings of some of the tracks from the first disc as well as more 60's covers from the massive Vibravoid back catalogue. There is certainly an argument to be had that "Set The Controls For The Heart of the Sun" is the finest version ever, outside of the Floyd original, and they also approach "A Saucerful of Secrets" in. wonderfully respectful manner. However, the highlight for me is not those, but that we get two versions (the 2016 studio version plus a previously unreleased live recording from the Film Museum, Dusseldorf, 2017) of the mighty "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" and I am incredibly pleased that even the shorter version is still more than 10 minutes long. Also, any band who dares to record "Hole In My Shoe" will always be a hit in my book, as surely it is the pinnacle of psychedelia. This double CD is a wonderful trip down a psychedelic memory lane and is a wonderful introduction for those who are frightened of such a vast catalogue.