Originally released 1971
Red Vinyl 2013 Lost Century Records
Sealed!  Hype sticker!

Album Review: Frumpy’s “2” - A Progressive Rock Masterpiece

Frumpy, the German rock band that existed from 1969 to 1972 and reformed in 1990, delivered one of the most remarkable albums of early ‘70s progressive rock with their second release, “2”. Emerging from the ashes of The City Preachers in 1969, drummer Carsten Bohn, vocalist Inga Rumpf, French keyboardist Jean-Jacques Kravetz, and bassist Karl-Heinz Schott formed Frumpy, a name derived from a wordplay on Rumpf’s surname meaning “frumpy” or “dowdy.” Their innovative sound quickly made them a standout in the krautrock and progressive rock scenes. With “2”, released in 1971, Frumpy secured their place as one of the era’s most adventurous and beloved bands.

From Stage to Studio

Having shared stages across France and Germany with major acts like Yes, Frumpy earned critical acclaim and fan devotion for their powerful live performances and bold musical experimentation. After their debut album, All Will Be Changed, found success in Germany, the band expanded their lineup in 1971 to include guitarist Rainer Baumann and recorded “2”. The album was captured almost entirely under live conditions, which allowed the raw energy and spontaneity that defined their concerts to shine through. Released on Philips Records, the LP contains only four tracks, each a lengthy exploration of the band’s artistic vision—ranging from 7:30 to over 12 minutes in length.

A Showcase of Musicianship

“2” is anchored by the powerful and soulful voice of Inga Rumpf, whose commanding presence carries each track. Her vocals are complemented by Kravetz’s innovative Hammond organ, which is full of improvisational flair and jazz-inspired motifs. Rainer Baumann’s guitar work adds a new dimension to the band’s sound, particularly on the track “How the Gypsy Was Born.” This rock ballad, which became the band’s biggest hit, features a mesmerizing guitar solo by Baumann followed by an ecstatic Hammond organ solo after a rhythm shift. Music critic Michael Rauhut hailed the song as “the most stylistically assured and lasting German contribution to the ‘classic’ rock era between 1967 and 1977.”

Experimental Soundscapes

The album’s minimalistic tracklist allows each song to breathe and develop in unexpected directions. “Good Winds” opens the album with a dynamic blend of Rumpf’s emotive singing and Kravetz’s sweeping organ passages. The interplay between Baumann’s guitar and the organ is both intricate and thrilling. Meanwhile, the band dives deeper into darker and more experimental waters on tracks like “Take Care of Illusion” and “Duty,” which push the boundaries of conventional rock structures. These songs blend elements of jazz, blues, and psychedelic rock, creating a sound that is uniquely Frumpy’s.

Legacy and Reformation

Despite their critical and commercial success, Frumpy disbanded in 1972, with members forming or joining other influential projects. Rumpf, Kravetz, and Schott went on to form the successful band Atlantis, while Bohn created his own group, Carsten Bohn’s Bandstand. Frumpy’s legacy, however, remained strong, prompting a reformation in 1990, which resulted in three more albums, though these later releases took on a smoother and more subdued sound compared to their early, raw intensity.

Conclusion

Frumpy’s “2” is a definitive statement of the band’s creativity and technical prowess. It captures a moment in rock history where boundaries were being pushed, and new sounds were being forged. With its blend of technical skill, improvisation, and emotional depth, this LP remains a standout in the progressive rock genre. For any fan of the era or of adventurous rock music, Frumpy’s “2” is a must-have album.