Agitation Free were a leading exponent of German experimental rock in the early 1970s. Beginning in 1967, the Berlin band began developing long and, for the time, free instrumental improvisations. By 1972, they achieved cult status with a congenial blend of improvised rock combined with elements of electro, ethno, jazz, and trance. In concert, they experimented with liquid projectors, slides, and their own experimental films, similar to underground bands from California and the UK.

Their sonic sophistication led Agitation Free to collaborate with composers from the avant-garde music scene such as John Cage, Erhard Großkopf, Peter Michael Hamel, and Ladislav Kupković. The Electronic Beat Studio, founded by Agitation Free with composer Thomas Kessler, became a creative hub for Berlin-based bands Ash Ra Tempel, Tangerine Dream, and others. In April 1972, the band toured Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece, and the diverse impressions of this journey found expression in their first album, “Malesch,” a fascinating sonic sounds of exotic original recordings from the Middle East combined with avant-garde Krautrock—an undeniable precursor to today’s world music. Constant touring brought the band ever-increasing recognition throughout Europe. They performed as part of the cultural program of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, embarked on their first two-month French tour in early 1973, performed at the “German Rock Super Concert” in Frankfurt in May, and released their next album, “2nd,” in July 1973.

The relentless touring pushed the five musicians in such different directions that the band disbanded in 1974. Although several posthumous albums (with recordings made between 1972 and 1974) appeared after the band’s breakup, and a studio album (“River of Return”) was released in 1999, it wasn’t until nearly 35 years after their breakup that the original band reunited to perform. In 2007, they reunited in concert and released a new album, “SHIBUYA NIGHTS,” which offers clear proof that Agitation Free remains one of the best and most original groups among their illustrious German contemporaries.

After another long hiatus, they’ve released their new studio album, “Momentum.” The Krautrock legends pick up where their 1972 debut, “Malesch,” left off.

Line-up:

• Burghard Rausch – drums
• Axel Heilhecker – guitars
• Tim Sund – keyboards
• Lutz Graf-Ulbrich -guitars, voice
• Daniel Cordes – bass