Instrumental
International relevance: **
Probably
the most interesting album on Uppsala's elusive Piglet label, and
also the first LP on the imprint. Imp Ink (sometimes stylized as
Imp.Ink and Impink) straddles the line between kraut rock, free jazz,
avantgarde, progg, folk, and dark dreamy soundscapes. Members aren't
mentioned on the sleeve, but the line-up is known to include Roland
Zinder and Jonas Palm. It's a wild ride, sometimes scary and even the
quieter moments have an arresting intensity. At times they're moving
towards a Träd, Gräs & Stenar and Third Ear Band territory, but
with a greater outcome, more dramatic and a lot more captivating results. Occassionally, it even hints at Italian 70s horror movie soundtracks. The
underground vibe is palpable and adds meritoriously
to the general mystical, sinister feel of the music.
While the different segments have individual titles, but not being song based, the album should be listened to in one go for optimal effect.
While the different segments have individual titles, but not being song based, the album should be listened to in one go for optimal effect.
Being one of the better yet unheralded obscurities of the progg era, this is
definitely an album to seek out. Especially if you're into the darker
side of improvisation. Keep in mind though that it's very rare and
therefore a bit on the pricey side. Given the small editions of other
Piglet releases, I assume it's a pretty fair guesstimate that no more
than 500 copies were pressed, if that. It exists with three
cover variations, although I think they were all released
simultaneously. It's highly unlikely there was any demand for a
second pressing at the time... Today though, it screams out for a reissue.