Released in 1972, “Move On” marked the second chapter in Epsilon‘s brief but remarkable career on bacillus records. Building on the Progressive foundation of their self-titled debut, the band expanded its musical palette with a more guitar-oriented sound while retaining the melodic sophistication and dynamic interplay that had already distinguished them within the emerging German Progressive Rock scene.
Rather than following the increasingly Experimental direction taken by many of their contemporaries, Epsilon refined their own approach, balancing memorable songwriting with intricate instrumental passages. The result is an album that moves effortlessly between Atmospheric ballads, powerful Rock arrangements and carefully crafted Progressive compositions. While keyboards remain an important element, “Move On” places greater emphasis on guitars and vocal harmonies, giving the album a warmer, more organic character than its predecessor. Contemporary and retrospective assessments have often regarded it as the band’s strongest and most cohesive release.
The recording also brought several notable guests into the studio, including drummer Curt Cress, guitarist and vocalist Rainer Marz (formerly of Jeronimo), Pete Bender of Wyoming on backing vocals and flautist Christian Felke. Their contributions subtly broadened the band’s sonic range without overshadowing the core quartet, whose songwriting remained firmly at the heart of the album.
Although Epsilon would release one further studio album before disbanding in the mid-1970s, “Move On” stands as the clearest representation of the band’s identity: melodic yet adventurous, technically accomplished without unnecessary excess, and firmly rooted in the fertile creative atmosphere of the early Bacillus catalogue. More than five decades later, it remains an overlooked gem of early German Progressive Rock.
This release is part of the bacillus records archive on Bandcamp.
Purchase “Move On” on Bandcamp: https://bacillusrecords.bandcamp.com/album/move-on-1972
Tracklist:
01. Epsilon – Walkin’ On My Way 03:21
02. She Belongs To Me 05:34
03. Feelings 03:53
04. What About Future 02:39
05. Move On 02:26
06. Reichelsheim 05:01
07. Hear Me Cryin’ 05:29
08. Waiting 04:22
09. Don’t Know Why 04:31
Lineup:
Michael Winzkowski / Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals; Bass on “Walking On My Way”
Walter Ortel / Organ, Piano, Electric Piano, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
Michael Ertl / Bass
Hartmut Pfannmüller / Drums, Percussion
Special Guests:
Curt Cress / Drums and Percussion on “Walking On My Way,” “Feelings,” “Don’t Know Why” and “Move On”
Rainer Marz / Choir on “Move On” and “Don’t Know Why.” Second Lead Guitar on “Move On” and “Reichelsheim”
Pete Bender / Choir on “Move On” and “Don’t Know Why”
Christian Felke / Flute on “Feelings”
Production:
Produced by Peter Hauke & Epsilon
Recorded at Dierks Studio, Stommeln, Germany
Engineered by Dieter Dierks
Cover Design and Photography: Klaus Holitzka