Let It Out

Kraan was riding a critical and commercial peak coming into the sessions that yielded their fifth album, Let it Out. Joining Kraan was ex-Karthago keyboardist Ingo Bischof, a frequent guest at the Wintrup commune. Conny Plank also paid a visit, and suggested that the recording take place at the commune's farmhouse. The album stands as a creative high point for the band. Bischof's electric piano and clavinet fit perfectly into Kraan's music, whether he's playing rhythmically or providing a lead. The album features only two vocal tracks; the opener "Bandits in the Woods" is a classic tale of paranoia, while the title track rocks along in Kraan's typical feel-good style. The mellow "Degado" substitutes vocalizing for lyrics, another of Peter Wolbrandt's tricks; while the experimental "Die Maschine" is a rare treat, perhaps owing much to Plank's studio alchemy. But "Luftpost" and "Prima Klima" clearly illustrate the jazzy direction of the band, with the arrangements here even tighter and the interplay more intense. Both "Overseas Bound" and "Picnic International" follow suit, the latter revolving around a beautifully melodic run and punctuated by a bright, funky rhythm. Johannes Pappert would barely complete the album before leaving the band to start his own group, Alto. The album was particularly well received in Germany, where the band cleaned up in the annual Sounds polls. Collectors note: The US issue of the album, released a year later (in 1976) on Passport Records, differs from the German Spiegelei pressing, as it contains five subtly remixed tracks.