AUX - 2017 - Troubadour

(40:48; Pink Tank Records)

Track list:
1. Fives 8:40
2. Deadly Rage 5:04
3. Filter 6:44
4. Geocentric 10:09
5. Phantom 10:11

Line-up:
Jannis Pfribn - bass
Michael M. Pfohlen - guitars
Richi Rich - guitars
Ole Gustavson - drums
Paul Payne - vocals


Prolusion.
German band AUX have been around since 2008 from what I can read on their Bandcamp page, and have two full albums to their name as of 2024. "Troubadour" is their second and most recent studio production, and was released in late 2017 through German label Pink Tank Records.

Analysis.
It is a rather distinct variety of progressive rock that is explored on this production, and one that blend elements that aren't all that common in a progressive rock context. Or, rather, they blend these elements in a manner that is probably a bit on the uncommon side of matters.

For starters we do have a little bit of a doom metal influx as an ongoing feature. In this case not all that often of the kind that reminds me of any of the more notable artists in that tradition, and occasionally with a bit of a stoner rock feel to this aspect of the totality too, but always explored in a bit more of an unusual manner. A part of that is the impression I get that we do have a bit of classic era krautrock mixed into this part of the package too. Think a 70s doom metal band of a lesser stature stretching out towards the kind of landscapes explored by a band like Amon Duul II and you may get a bit of an idea.

Another key elements throughout are elements fans of psychedelic rock will find familiar sounding. We get a wide array of passages that are more restrained, gentle and delicate in nature where the psychedelic element is very much present, at times in a more careful and sometimes borderline unobtrusive manner, but the more heavy set passages will also feature psychedelic traits at a regular interval. Only rarely to the point that the psychedelic properties can be described as dominant or truly defining, but more often than not they are very much a presence.

Beneath that mix and blend of gentle and powerful psychedelic elements and doom metal inspired arrangements we do get a little bit of a jazz undercurrent. Mainly in the rhythm department, but also for some instrument details. As is the case for the aforementioned doom metal and psychedelic features, understated is a word here. In the case of the jazz influence this is to the point of me asking myself whether these details are accidental or not, at least in some cases, and this may be a case of me giving too much substance to a detail that may be accidental. Still, as long as I believe I do hear this being a part of the totality it is also a matter that warrants mentioning. The same is the case for an occasion or two where I do believe a little bit of post-rock was added to the mix.

For my sake I didn't find this album to be one that really drew me in though. As will often be the case with an album for me this is another one of those albums that I find interesting and intriguing from an analytical point of view, and there are no flaws to be found in the performance, mix or production. But none of the songs gave me that specific need to play them again either. Which for me typically indicates that this will be an album with perhaps a bit more of a limited and defined reach. A niche production for a niche audience if you like.

Conclusion.
Bands that mix and blend elements from vintage era doom metal, krautrock, psychedelic rock and possibly jazz as well aren't all that common, and I haven't come across all that many artists that explore such a blend of elements with more of a toned down and borderline unobtrusive execution to the majority of the elements brought into play. If you enjoy a more classic era variety of heavy progressive rock that makes use of elements from doom metal, psychedelic rock, krautrock and jazz then this is an album that will be worth a listen, if not for any other reason than due to the limited number of artists that explore this specific corner of the progressive rock universe.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, April 2024

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/auxkiel
https://www.pink-tank-records.de/