Amon Duul II “Yeti” 

 

Quite surprised the first time I heard this as it is quite beat groupy. The vocals distinguish it by using a variety of techniques from atonality to spoken declaration to operatic. They vary in pitch and tone as does the group often in the middle of a song. The overall effect is very entertaining. 

 

The drums are given a good whack throughout the lp. The drummer is not a massively good time keeper but shows plenty of enthusiasm. The guitarists take a solo whenever they feel like it regardless of whether there is any singing going on or not. Then a violin appears but is used to complement the group’s efforts rather than used in a “hey look I can play violin” way that many other groups do. Similarly, the organ rarely features in the front of the group’s noise. The whole sound is very much a group effort with everyone contributing equally. It does not sound like the guitar player came in to rehearsals and said “I have a new song to teach you”. Each musician takes responsibility and ownership of their own parts. Fitting as the group came out of communal living. 

 

There is a Hawkwind feel to much of the material in the way the group improvises around a tonal centre, although the ‘Duul are better musicians than the ‘Wind. Interestingly, the bass player on “Yeti” (Dave Anderson) would leave the group straight after and join Hawkwind playing on the latters’ “In Search of Space” lp. He would later set up Foel Studios where The Fall would record “Fiery Jack” and Young Marble Giants “Colossal Youth”. Pink Floyd are the other group that springs to mind in listening to this lp, although the ‘Duul achieve more rhythmic interest than the ‘Floyd’s thump. 

 

“Yeti” consists of one lp of songs and one lp of improvisations although there is little difference between the two, other than length of performance. The improvisations are not free but maintain a tonal and rhythmic centre and could easily be inserted into the songs on the other lp.  

 

The production of the lp is a little bit murky, the drums in particular lose a bit of impact and power. But the sound is thick overall and careful listening enables the individual instruments to be picked out. The group display significant control over their dynamics. 

 

What else? It’s great. Fantastic cover too.