OUT OF FOCUS - Out Of Focus (1971-2004) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On their eponymous second album, Out of Focus further develop their progressive jazz-rock sound, at the same time pushing in other directions as well. The rhythm section is still as upbeat and funky as ever, with those repetitive but odd rhythm patterns. There is now more sax in the mix, as well as the flute riffing, guitar wails, and chunky organ chords, with each instrument allowed ample soloing and no instrument over-dominant. If anything, this one dispenses with some of the heavy rock sound to get closer to the jazz influences. They slow down the pace on the strange folk song "It's Your Life" as well as the even stranger "Blue Sunday Morning" with its airy flute, church organ, and bizarre song narration. Lyrics are even sharper, whether ripping into the banality of television or the hypocrisy of religion, with the dark-edged humor more firmly in place. On the suite "Fly Bird Fly"/"Television Program," the group veers from soft to full in-your-face intensity while staying on a bouncy riff. On long tracks like this one and "Whispering," they throw a lot of variation over repetitive grooves to create mesmerizing jams that are both incredibly loose and far more focused than the average jam band. Rolf Semprebon
Tracklist :
1    What Can A Poor Boy Do (But To Be A Streetfighting Man)    5:54
2    It's Your Life    4:31
3    Whispering    13:35
4    Blue Sunday Morning    8:21
5    Fly Bird Fly    5:09
6    Television Program    11:47
Credits :
Bass – Stephan Wisheu
Composed By, Arranged By, Producer – Out Of Focus
Drums, Percussion – Klaus Spöri
Guitar – Remigius Drechsler
Organ, Piano – Hennes Hering
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Lead Vocals – Moran Neumüller