Lily’s only album, “V.C.U. (We See You),” occupies a unique position within the early 1970s bacillus records catalogue. Originally formed in Frankfurt in the late 1960s as Monsun, the group developed a distinctive style combining elements of Progressive Rock, Blues, Improvisation and Experimental Jazz influences.
The band’s musical background was rooted in the Frankfurt club scene, where they built their reputation through intense live performances. After coming to the attention of producer Peter Hauke, Monsun signed with bacillus records. For the release of their debut album in 1973, the group was renamed Lily at the request of the label, a decision that also influenced the album’s visual presentation.
The compositions on “V.C.U.” were created through a collective writing process that evolved over several years. Guitarist Manfred Schmid was the main source of musical ideas, continuously developing new themes and fragments. Wilfried Kirchmeier, his long-time musical collaborator on bass and vocals, shaped these ideas into structured arrangements. In the rehearsal room, Hans Werner Steinberg added his distinctive contributions on tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone and flute, while drummer Manfred “Max” Schlagmüller, a trained percussionist, completed the instrumental foundation.
Recorded at Dieter Dierks’ studio, “V.C.U. (We See You)” presents a raw and unconventional approach to Progressive Rock. The prominent saxophone work of Hans-Werner Steinberg, the powerful rhythm section of Wilfried Kirchmeier and Manfred Schlagmüller, and the interplay between the guitars of Manfred-Josef Schmid and Klaus Lehmann create a sound that moves between Heavy Rock, Jazz-oriented passages and Experimental arrangements.
Although the album remained the band’s only official LP release, “V.C.U.” has become recognized as an important document of the more adventurous side of the early German Progressive Rock scene and as a notable entry in the history of bacillus records.
This release is part of the bacillus records archive on Bandcamp.
Purchase “V.C.U (We See You)” on Bandcamp: https://bacillusrecords.bandcamp.com/album/v-c-u-we-see-you-1973
All titles witten by Lily and published by Bellver Music
Produced by Peter Hauke
Recorded 1973 at Dierks Studio
Engineered by Dieter Dierks
Photos by Dieter Weiß
Cover-Design by Helmut Wenske
Lineup:
Wilfried Kirchmeier: Bass, Vocals (Percussion on “Pinky Pigs,” Synth on “Eyes Look From The Mount Of Flash“)
Manfred Schlagmüller / Drums, Percussion (Synth on “Eyes Look From The Mount Of Flash“)
Hans-Werner Steinberg / Tenor- and Soprano-Saxes
Manfred-Josef Schmid / Guitar
Klaus Lehmann / Guitars
Thanks to Bernhard and Björn, Dieter for playing Mellotron and Armin Bannach for excellent Gong-Beating and just being there.