SMTBR (Strange Music to be Rescued) presents

Curly Curve
Curly Curve (1973)




Brain 1973

Track List
01. Hell And Booze 4:03
02. I`M Getting Better 4:43
03. All Things Clear 2:21
04. Bitter Sweet 5:58
05. Shitkicker 4:16
06. Dream For Today 4:43
07. Patricia Reprise 3:48
08. Queen Of Spades 5:01


Musicians
Martin Knaden (guitar)
Hanno Bruhn (vocals, guitar)
Kurt Herkenberg (bass, vocals)
Chris Axel Klöber (keyboards)
Hans Wallbaum (drums)

Review
Curly Curve signed on to the Brain label and, produced by Frank Oeser, recorded their self-titled debut album (Brain 1040) in July 1973. The record shows the band playing a powerful, technically perfect blues rock with definite American influences. Even the usually most critical of all critics, the reviewers of Sounds music magazine, took a liking to the straightforward boogie rock of the Berlin band. Journalist Hermann Haring, who later on became chief editor of the magazine called Musik Express, wrote in his review: "A return to rock without any political ambitions. Curly Curve kick down the accelerator and speed off in a straightforward manner. They play a splendid kind of blues rock that for the future only needs a healthy dose of blackness for the soul." What he meant was such vital rock songs as "Queen Of Spades", "Shitkicker" with its psychedelic elements, and the impressive opener "Hell And Booze". Also worth a listen is the bluesy ballad "I'm Getting Better", which highlights Hanno Bruhn's smoky voice very well. The extremely colourful cover artwork caused a lot of curiosity as well - thanks to a shining high polish packaging, it definitely was an eyecatcher.
Even though the album was released to mainly positive reviews, it would be Curly Curve's only official release ever. Even though they now had a recording contract, they did not have much luck. Following a well-attended German tour that saw them on stage with Karthago and other bands, someone broke into their rehearsal room while the band was preparing to record the second album. Not only was almost the entire band's equipment stolen, but the car as well. Following another change in the line-up (Martin Knaden was replaced by Leo Lehr), and arguments about whether the band should switch to German lyrics, the band dissolved for good.

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