Agitation Free

Exploring Agitation Free's "2nd"

Agitation Free, a notable band in the Krautrock scene, released their second album titled "2nd" in July 1973. This album followed their debut, "Malesch," which was influenced by the band's tour through Egypt and the Middle East. In contrast, "2nd" marks a shift toward a sound that incorporates more acid-rock elements and electronic treatments.

Recording and Production

The recording sessions for "2nd" took place at Studio 70 in Munich during July 1973. The band utilized additional electronic equipment from Studio Hofschneider in Berlin to enhance their sound. The lineup for this album consisted of Stefan Diez on guitar, Michael Hoenig on synthesizers and keyboards, Michael Gunther on bass, Burghard Rausch on drums and Mellotron, and Lutz Ulbrich, who played guitar, twelve-string guitar, and bouzouki. The band took on the roles of producer and arranger, ensuring their vision was fully realized in this project.

Musical Structure

The album features a variety of tracks that blend instrumental and vocal elements. The opening track, "First Communication," sets the tone with an extended duration of over eight minutes. Shorter pieces like "Dialogue And Random" and "Laila, Part I" provide brief interludes that lead into more developed compositions such as "Laila, Part II." The second side of the album includes "A Quiet Walk," which is divided into two vocal sections that feature Frank and Jackie Diez. The lyrics for "Haunted Island" draw inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe, adding a literary dimension to the album's thematic elements.

Artistic Presentation

The visual aspect of "2nd" is also noteworthy. The album's cover design was created by Agitation Free, with contributions from several artists. Alex Von Koettlitz provided the back cover art, while Folke Hanfeld and Irm Siering contributed to the front and inside artwork, respectively. This collaborative effort in design complements the band's experimental sound.

Agitation Free's "2nd" was released on the Vertigo label and is available in vinyl format as a gatefold LP. The album was recorded and mixed in Munich and showcases the band's evolution in sound from their earlier work.