Gila - s/t (1971) {1997 Second Battle}

Their first highly ambitious album - and one of the more important albums to come out of Western Germany - had a very odd concept to reflect the group's progression from aggression to communication. Quite a bloody program and I can assure you that they succeed quite well. The music on their debut runs continuously through the tracks is very trippy and atmospheric but not space rock either, In that regard , one thinks of PINK FLOYD. Their second album is very different and depicts the last and worst Indian massacre (native Americans) back in the early 70's.. The live album is posthumous but worthy of them.

Recorded in Cologne in 1971 this was the debut progressive krautrock monster. A Krautrock classic and festifav in this household offering everything you could ask for in an album… drifty, blasting psychedelic rock with electronic effects, acid guitars, acoustic guitars, tabla and Eastern music influences. This flowing, conceptual masterpiece blends a wide array of musical tones and moods sounding very reminiscent of a clash of classic ASH RA TEMPEL, AGITATION FREE and PINK FLOYD ("Ummagumma" / "Meddle" era). For the POPOL VUH lovers out there you will pleased to see this album features Conny Veit (guitars, voice, table, electronic effects). In addition GILA blow you lips off with additional instruments including the mellotron, organ, mandolin and bongos. This may be my personal most beloved German krautrock album of all time. Highly regarded album and an essential one for your collection.

If you like "Jimi Hendrix Guitar", you should not miss it. I agree that it counts as one of the progressive monster masterpieces. It sounds absolutely fantastic for a continental band from that time period. There were many progressive Bands in Germany, Switzerland, etc. at that time but most of them sounded like "little brothers" of the British or American groups. But not Gila! At least not on this album.