Out Of Focus

Album Overview

"Wake Up!" is the debut studio album by the Munich-based quintet Out Of Focus, released in 1970 by the Kuckuck label. This album reflects the band's unique blend of jazz-rock, progressive rock, and Krautrock influences. The group formed in 1968 and recorded their first album at Union Studios in Munich late in 1970. The album features six tracks that explore various musical landscapes.

Recording and Production

The album was produced by Jonas Porst, with engineering contributions from Reinhold Mack and Thomas Klemt. Reinhold Mack is well-known for his later work with prominent bands such as Queen and ELO. The recording process allowed the band to experiment with diverse sounds, integrating hard rock guitar riffs, improvisational jazz elements, and politically charged lyrics.

Musical Style and Influences

Out Of Focus's sound on "Wake Up!" is characterized by gritty guitar work, intricate flute and saxophone improvisations, and the swirling textures of the Hammond organ. The raw vocals of lead singer Moran Neumüller add a bluesy edge to the mix. The band's influences are apparent, drawing comparisons to early Soft Machine, Jethro Tull, and Colosseum. The lyrics offer a countercultural perspective that reflects the band's ethos and the socio-political climate of the time.

Track Highlights

Among the six tracks, "See How A White Negro Flies" and "God Save The Queen, Cried Jesus" stand out for their lyrical content and musical complexity. The 11-minute jam titled "Dark, Darker" showcases the band's improvisational abilities, blending various genres into a cohesive listening experience. Each track reveals different facets of the band's musical identity and creativity.

Band Lineup

The lineup for Out Of Focus includes Remigius Drechsler on electric and acoustic guitars, Moran Neumüller on lead vocals, saxophones, and flute, Hennes Hering on organ and piano, Stefan Wisheu on bass, and Klaus Spöri on drums. This combination of instruments contributes to the album's rich sound palette.

Release Details

"Wake Up!" is available in vinyl format as an LP. The album was released under the catalog number 2375 006. It represents a significant entry in the genre of Krautrock, blending elements of jazz and rock into a unique listening experience.