Agitation Free | Artist
Agitation Free is a German Kosmiche/Space Rock band formed in Berlin 1967 by core members Michael Günther (bass, tapes), Lutz Ulbrich (guitar, organ, vocals), Lutz Kramer (guitar, vocals) and Christopher Franke (drums, synthesizer). After losing their first guitarist Ax Genrich to Guru Guru in 1970 and drummer Franke to Tangerine Dream in 1971, the band recruited Jörg "Joshi" Schwenke (guitar), Burghard Rausch (drums) and Michael Hoenig (keyboards). Having emerged from the vibrant and experimental German music scene of the late 1960s and early 1970s, they were known for their innovative fusion of psychedelic rock, electronic music, and improvisational jamming. Along with similar bands such as Amon Düül II, Agitation Free played a significant role in shaping the progressive and space rock genres. Agitation Free's music was characterized by its expansive, hypnotic soundscapes, propelled by intricate guitar work, ethereal keyboards, and hypnotic rhythms. The band was known for their extended instrumental passages, which allowed for improvisation and experimentation. Their music also incorporates ethnic elements from North Africa and India. In 1972, the band released their debut album, Malesch which showcased their penchant for blending psychedelic rock with world music influences. Inspired by the band's travels to Egypt and the Middle East, the album featured a mesmerizing fusion of traditional instruments, electronic effects, and hypnotic rhythms. In 1973 their second album, entitled 2nd further solidified their reputation with a blend of cosmic, psychedelic, and improvisational elements. In addition to the first two albums, other recommendations are Last, a live recording from 1973, plus the excellent archival At the Cliffs of River Rhine, first released in 1998. Despite having only released four studio albums, Agitation Free's influence extended far beyond their years of active recording and performing. The band's music has continued to resonate with fans of progressive and experimental music. In recent years, Agitation Free's music has experienced a resurgence of interest, as a new wave of listeners has discovered and embraced the band's pioneering sound. Their albums have been reissued, and their influence on contemporary psychedelic and experimental rock bands has been widely acknowledged. Agitation Free were chosen to play at the opening ceremony of the iff-fated 1972 Munich Olympics.
Artist Website: agitationfree.com
Featured Albums: Agitation Free
Related Artists: Ash Ra Tempel, Guru Guru, Tangerine Dream
