UK band SCHNAUSER was formed back in 2005, and have gradually increased their standing as a live and studio band ever since. With their fourth studio album “Where Business Meets Fashion” from 2013 interest in the band soared, with plenty of critics and music magazines heralding the qualities of this band. Which does makes this single an interesting one. Released through psychedelic rock specialist label Fruits de Mer Records, this two track, limited edition vinyl single see the band take on two classic progressive rock tracks: As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still (Soft Machine) and Astral Traveller (Yes). Two compositions you wouldn’t expect too have too much in common.
You can tell that these are two very different tracks also in these renditions by Schnauser, Astral Traveller a more dreamladen, naive and light toned experience, while As Long As He Lies Perfectly Still is a darker toned affair sporting a greater deal of variety, a more brooding and introspective overall mood and a quirkier overall structure. Yet Schnauser does transform both of these songs into creations with a more uniform nature than you’d expect, to the point of both songs appearing as natural choices to be on the same production by the same band.
A distinct frail and vintage sounding organ as a dominating trait on both songs gives them a strong and similar identity, and the use of carefully effects treated vocals and gentle psych-oriented guitar reverbs further strengthens the impression that these songs have a natural connection. That these and other details also gives the impression that we’re dealing with 1960’s psychedelic rock rather than 70’s progressive rock a part of that totality. Electric piano and what may or may not be additional vintage keyboards soaring in the latter parts of the Soft Machine cover does expand the scope of this song somewhat, as does the use of darker toned, compact guitar details at times. Alongside the quirkier and less naturally flowing vocal patterns giving this track a darker mood contrasting the more naive atmosphere of Astral Traveller.
Still, both compositions comes across as songs that naturally belongs together in the renditions of Schnauser, which presumably is a massive compliment to the abilities of this fine UK band to craft and maintain a strong and distinct sound of their own.
My rating: 80/100
