A heavy prog rock album from German band Weed, released on Philips in 1971. The band's sole album and now a real collector's item.

Centred around drummer Peet Becker (formerly of The Witch), the sound mixes krautrock and prog.

Some heavy Uriah Heep influences, which come from uncredited singer, songwriter, pianist and guitarist Ken Hensley, who would later admit it was a job for money, moonlighting between Uriah Heep albums.

Opener "Sweet Morning Light" is a guitar led piece, although the drumming is a little disjointed. "Lonely Ship" is more acoustic, a sound reminiscent of Judas Priest's "Before The Storm" of a few years later.

"My Dream" is fairly inaudible, while "Slowin' Down" is a sharp guitar led piece with a slow boogie. A direct mix of Uriah Heep and Status Quo?

"Before I Die" is more coherent, with guitar and keyboards in equal amounts, one of the better songs here and very clear Heep sound.

A good album, but not as good as it is rare; a touch of the experimental angle on German prog rock.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com