Giant Hedgehog is a young German Progressive Rock band that mixes different genres within their sound, with marked personal traits. One of the characteristics of the band is the composition of long tracks, managing to mix Prog with Jazzy traits and an Experimental touch, recalling bands like King Crimson and VDGG. After an EP and a long lasting single, the new album “Im Siel” was released on January 17, 2022 and consists of 5 tar tracks including an epic of over 23 minutes. The album opens with a dreamy guitar arpeggio and begins “Gemurmel aus dem Brunnen” which slowly immerses us in the sound of the disc. A deep bass and the sax are inserted and with the entry of the drumming the track comes to life, with the intensity that increases with the passing of the minutes. Elaborate and at times intricate, the track is enriched by tempo changes, which in the finale ends with a crescendo and a heavier sound passage. The next is the title track “Im Siel” which is the longest in duration, exceeding 23 minutes. The intertwining between guitar and sax is of exquisite workmanship and reminds us of the sounds of the VDGGs with a more Experimental touch. This epic track is the backbone of the disc, in the style of the band, skilled in creating long suites with personal features that enhance the individual technique of the artists, as in this case. Continuous tempo changes, intricate plots with forays into Heavy and with valuable solo cues that manage to bring the atmosphere of the 70s to the present day. The unmistakable touch of the band is enhanced by the elaborate plots of this song, to be listened to and listened to again to grasp all the nuances and positive ideas that these guys have. “Lunas Bank” is a short passage of almost 3 minutes from the two sides, the first part with a dreamy guitar arpeggio, the second with a change brings us back to the typical sounds of the band. This is followed by “Damals am Teiche” which begins with a melancholy guitar arpeggio, and then develops a Jazzy track with the sax in great evidence. In the second part the intensity increases and the song acquires power with references to the music of King Crimson, closing with the only vocal part of the disc. Dreamy sax melodies open “Einkehr” which is the final track of the album, characterized by continuous tempo changes, with an elaborate and deep sound. The central part is heavier and tighter, while in the final it ends with elaborate textures and intertwining between guitar and sax. An album that confirms the good heard in the tracks released in previous years, with long instrumental sections that follow one another and intertwine, enhancing the musicians’ technique. The group’s lineup with saxophone and not keyboards gives an original and personal touch to the sound, made up of refined textures and elaborate compositions. This band has its own personal and well-defined style, managing to blend more Prog traits with other more Experimental ones, offering a very intense listening from start to finish.
Tracklist
1. Gemurmel aus dem Brunnen (07:47)
2. Im Siel (23:49)
3. Lunas Bank (02:42)
4. Damals am Teiche (07:12)
5. Einkehr (06:37)
Lineup
Patrick Aguilar / Bass
Moritz Nixdorf / Drums
Niklas Tieke / Guitar
Thomas Mrosek / Saxophone
Guest Musician:
Stella Polaris / Vocals (Damals am Teiche)
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