Panko "Eroffnung" 1971 German

Panco "Weil Es So Schon Perlt" recorded 1971 release 1983 German

Panko from West Berlin (not to be confused with the much later East-German band Pankow) musically reminds of Xhol Caravan or the early Embryo. The band mostly played long jazzy instrumental pieces, dominated by flute and alto saxophone, at times interrupted by mainly English vocals and some follies. The band existed from the late sixties 'til the end of 1972. During its active career the group didn't release any material, although they definitelty had much potential. In 1983 their drummer (at last) released the cassette 'Weil Es So Schön Perlt'. This tape featured live recordings of good sound quality, dating from June 1971. Now here's a great CD-edition of that tape, enriched with two bonus tracks..
This is another rare krautrock mystery including recordings from a PANKO performance in 1971. Initially released on cassette tape in 1983 by drummer Richard Stey the songs are showing them in a relaxed mood here. Fortunately the audio quality is rather good. They are mixing up german and english lyrics respectively song titles quite naturally. Besides the standard rock music instrumentation we have also two members alternating on sax and flute plus a self-constructed tone/effect generator in use. This immediately suggests a sound which holds a little of each.
And indeed Eröffnung starts trippy jazzy with flute and saxophone all around - similar to Xhol Caravan I would say, but not so raw, more sophisticated. This sounds really skillful and well attuned. Provided with narration in English language Teppich appears undefinable weird at first and later evolves into a psychedelic outfit. I can't imagine the meaning of Muppelkas - only know that 'kas' is the Austrian translation for 'cheese' - never mind, I would label this song as jazzy zappaesque provided with suspense and different time signatures. They periodically hurry up and then on the other hand return to a relaxed behaviour once again - you even might think of a big sleep here and there assuming the song has already finished. Because soloing a lot flute and saxophone have a dominant role.

- Helmut Sucker / guitar
- Peter Gentsch / bass, vocals
- Frank Graeber / flute, sax, vocals, sounds, effects
- Peter Pacek / percussion, flute, vocals
- Richard Stey / drums