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Agitation Free: Momentum
 Momentum is the latest release from Krautrock legends Agitation Free, and it's either their fourth or fifth studio album depending on whether you consider 1999's The Other Side of Agitation Free a true band effort or not. For this 2023 release, the line-up is comprised of:
Michael Hoenig / keyboards, synthesizers, electronic percussion
Burghard Rausch / drums, electronic percussion
Lutz Graf-Ulbrich / guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo
Gustl Lütjens / guitar, vocals
Daniel Cordes / bass, synthesizer
Mostly instrumental save for some occasional vocalizations, Momentum clicks off a few of the requisite boxes for any solid Agitation Free, those being the sizzling lead guitar solos, tight grooves, and layers of keyboards & synthesizers. "Nouveau Son" gives you all of those right off the bat, the guitar solos especially being quite spectacular. "Levant" adds some of those Middle Eastern elements that made their way on to a few tracks on earlier albums, "Nightwatch" drops in some fusion and prog into their Krautrock stew, "Lilac" features some slick but ripping guitar solos, and the menacing yet majestic "Shibuya" also blends those Middle Eastern flavors with dark progressive rock, the eerie synths colliding with searing guitars for a magical ride. And, the symphonic finale of " InDaJungl" is just terrific!
At nearly an hour, Momentum is a tad on the long side, and it does meander in certain spots, but there's plenty to recommend here for any fan of this legendary band, who, truth be told, came out of nowhere with this very solid release.
Track Listing
1. Nouveau Son (8:34)
2. Levant (7:53)
3. Nightwatch (9:25)
4. Lilac (6:18)
5. Momentum (9:18)
6. Shibuya (8:13)
7. InDaJungl (7:03)
Added: December 14th 2025
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:  
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1027
Language: english
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Agitation Free: Momentum
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2025-12-15 00:35:11
My Score:
I was late to the party regarding Kraut rock legends Agitation Free. It was just a few years ago I discovered their genius upon listening to their first two albums: Malesch (1972) and 2nd (1973). Unfortunately the band disbanded in 1974 and one wonders what they could have accomplished during the rest of the ‘70s. The band did reform for a couple of brief moments and these last few years they began working on what would be their latest release titled Momentum (2023). It is important to note there are four original players, so this is far from a glorified cover band.
The players are:
Lutz Graf-Ulbrich (electric and acoustic guitars, banjo)
Michael Hoenig (keyboards, synthesizers, electronic percussion)
Gustl Lütjens (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals)
Burghard Rausch (drums, electronic percussion)
Daniel Cordes (bass, synthesizer)
Although these musicians have been around for decades, Momentum proves to be a fresh sounding and complex work that recalls elements of their classic sound. Experimental, electronic , progressive, world, and jazz can all be found, with a Middle Eastern vibe often front and center. The guitar work proves to be a highlight, whether laying down atmospheric textures or piercing riffs, the sound is both eclectic and melodic, effectively bridging the gap between composed melodies and experimental sounds.
The mostly instrumental (some spoken word) “Nouveu Son” gets into a great groove as experimental percussive sounds and psychedelic textures back the cutting guitar riffs that bite into the soundscape giving it all a robust flavour. I should also mention Daniel Cordes’ riveting bass solo. More knife edged guitar work is featured on the outstanding “Levant” where minimalism meets eclectic progressive rock. With “Nightwatch” the band continues weaving ethnic flavoured tapestries with their patented electronic sound while on “Lilac” the guitar work is quite exceptional revealing the band’s creative flair. There are three more tracks, all excellent in their own right.
Momentum is an album of exceptional quality with both vintage and modern sounds that never fails to impress. For me, music like this never gets old, slowly revealing hidden surprises with each successive spin. Highly recommended!
A MIG Music release.
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