Cologne-based band Schmitz & Niebuhr have recorded an insane prog rock meets art pop double concept album entitled Porz 1975. Today, Porz is the largest district of the metropolis of Cologne, until 1975 it was an independent city where the musicians grew up and where some of them live again.
PORZ 1975 is an acoustic road movie through the 70s. A decade characterised by a wealth of ideas, compositional daring and the trust that listeners will take their time for music. The concept album also outlines the traumas of the municipal territory reform – the accompanying upheavals and twists are reflected on a musical level, the 16-page full colour booklet provides respective insights. The double album – full of references to art pop, experimental and progressive rock – also works on its own. No excessive improvisation, occasionally a few well-dosed solos. The songs are carefully composed and arranged.
The album’s dogma: Only instruments – electronic, electric and acoustic – that already existed in 1975 were used. If the band could not afford the expensive originals, replicas were used. Analogue technology was used wherever possible. One piece for each of the 16 districts of Porz at the time. Focus on analogue sound: double vinyl and C-90 music cassette. Nevertheless, digital is also available. Beware: There are guitar solos.