Kraan's 1982 release Nachtfahrt signaled a change not only in the music industry globally, but within the band itself. Pop, new wave, reggae, and dance music all were very popular at the time, and prog rock and jazz fusion were dinosaurs of the past. Kraan took this opportunity to update their sound to fit with the then current trends, and the resulting Nachtfahrt is the result. Founding member, drummer Jan Fride, left the band at the beginning of the recording sessions, and was replaced by American drummer Gerry Brown. While the album does contain some standout cuts, like the jazzy "Wintruper Echo", the world/jazz/fusion flavored title track, and the dreamy "Luna Park", many of the pieces bring new characteristics and styles not previously heard from the band. "Playing For You" is a strange mix of hard rock and new wave, featuring loud, thick guitars from Peter Wolbrandt, and "Viel Zu Heiss" sees the band digging into some deep reggae grooves. Not bad, not really Kraan however. Both "Normal" and "Paper Stars" go off into uncharted waters, sounding like a cross between The Police and The Cars. In other instances, like on "Faust 2000" and "Elfenbein", the band kind of drifts along at a safe, cool jazz pace, both likable pieces, but nothing that stands out as memorable.
While Nachtfahrt does have its moments, it is a far cry from albums like Wiederhoren, Andy Nogger, or any of the live albums. If you are new to the band, I'd start off with their 70's material and any of the live releases first before picking this one up.
Track Listing
1. Wintruper Echo (4:29)
2. Faust 2000 (4:12)
3. Elfenbein (5:08)
4. Nachtfahrt (6:28)
5. Playing For You (3:55)
6. Viel Zu Heiss (3:00)
7. Normal (4:05)
8. Paper Stars (4:50)
9. Luna Park (6:02)
10. The Daily Blues-bonus track (5:04)
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