Review: Fun Machine - Sonnenhuhn

Label: BNS Sessions

Released: February 24, 2009

Story problem: If King Crimson and ELP were together heading south at 75 mph, Art of Noise was heading north at 102 mph and Hawkwind was heading west at, well the speed of the Silver Machine, what would you call the force where they met?

Answer: Fun Machine.

If that isn't enough in the mix for you, others stroll into this madness as well. The psychedelic ghost of Syd Barrett materializes on "Flaking Reality." "Family Vapor" dives into sections of unabashed punk rock. A not-so-metal Voi Vod rears its head throughout. Most importantly though, Sonnenhuhn doesn't suffer from the cold stoicism and pure experimentalism that often bogs down prog albums. Instead, it has the quirky earthiness of nerdy indie rock. It's this sense of humanity, even more than the bold mix of musical flavors, that allows the album to really take off and get wild. Frantic psychedelia, angular prog rock, eclectic influences and general craziness are all found in beautifully natural abundance on Sonnenhuhn.

Ratings
Satriani: 7/10
Zappa: 8/10
Dylan: 6/10
Aretha: 7/10
Overall: 8/10

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