Epitaph: A Night At The Old Station (2 CDs/DVD)

Epitaph is a German rock band that formed all the way back in 1969. They released their self-titled debut in 1971 followed by Stop, Look And Listen (1972) and Outside The Law (1974). They released a few more albums before breaking up in 1982. Lineup changes and some hard luck, their record company went bankrupt, may have contributed to the band’s lack of commercial success but that doesn’t mean these guys aren’t worth hearing. I must admit I was not familiar with the band until I heard their latest album A Night At The Old Station recorded live at the Alter Bahnhof located in Hanover-Anderten. This is a mostly acoustic set spanning their entire career.

First and foremost these guys are great musicians and the tunes are catchy and energetic. If you are worried about a mellow set because of the acoustic instruments fear not as the band plays hard right out of the starting gate with “Outside The Law�. Dueling acoustic guitar and violin provide the fireworks. On “Big City� the guitar riffs are addictive supplemented nicely with mournful violin and piano. The band stretches out with the rocking “Remember The Daze�, a twelve minute extended jam with psychedelic touches here and there. Electric guitar and organ is added to the bluesy “Crossroads� with some great bass as well. Excellent rhythms, bluesy lead guitar and fantastic Hammond organ highlight Hendrix’s “Villanova Junction�. Glass’s lead work is phenomenal and will impress any fan of electric guitar. The band lights a fire with the pure blues of “Moving To The City� then settles down with the tender ballad “Sign From Your Heart� featuring guest pianist Agnes Hapsari.

The bonus material has the band rocking out with the Fire Strings (a group of six cellists) at the MusikZentrum in Hanover featuring a couple of songs from their latest studio effort Fire From The Soul.

The sound quality is very good and the setting is intimate and warm. The stage is small and bare bones, no lighting or effects, just the band and their music. This was certainly a good time had by all. A definite recommendation for fans of the band.

Track Listing:
CD 1
1. Outside The Law (8:24)
2. Big City (6:35)
3. Remember The Daze (12:12)
4. Crossroads (8:22)
5. Villanova Junction (6:21)
6. Moving To The City (5:28)
7. Sign From Your Heart (6:02)

CD 2
1. Looking For A Friend (6:07)
2. Ride The Storm (6:48)
3. Little Maggie (7:21)
4. Love Child (5:41)
5. Ain’t No Liar (9:05)
Bonus Tracks
6. Rondo Alla Turca/One Of These Days (6:09)
7. Fire From The Soul (6:42)

DVD
Includes the above tracks plus “Impressions� performed at Fährmannsfest 2016

Added: September 30th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1142
Language: english

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