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Agitation Free
Agitation Free
Agitation Free
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Agitation Free is a German experimental krautrock band formed in 1967 by Michael "Fame" Günther (bass guitar), Lutz "Lüül" Ulbrich (guitar), Lutz Ludwig Kramer (guitar) and Christopher Franke (drums).

Key Information

Name

[edit]

They were initially called Agitation, a name they chose at random from a dictionary. The band had to change the name because another band with the same name already existed. Agitation Free was chosen based on a poster for a free show played in the early 1970s saying "Agitation Free" (meaning "free concert").[1][2]

History

[edit]

After losing guitarist Ax Genrich to Guru Guru in 1970 (Genrich having replaced Kramer the same year) and drummer Franke to Tangerine Dream in 1971, the band recruited Jörg "Joshi" Schwenke (guitar), Burghard Rausch (drums) and Michael Hoenig (keyboards). They released their first album, Malesch, in 1972 on the Music Factory label. The album was inspired by their tour through Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, sponsored by the German Goethe Institute. Later that year, they performed at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

A second album was released in 1973, and guitarist Schwenke was replaced first by Stefan Diez, then Gustl Lütjens. The band disbanded in 1974.

Agitation Free reunited in 1998, with the 1974 line-up, and released River of Return in 1999. The band again reformed in 2007 for a series of concerts in Tokyo. In 2008, remastered CDs of their back catalogue were officially released, and in 2011 they released Shibuya Nights, recorded at their 2007 Tokyo concerts. In 2012, the band toured again to promote this album.

The band is included on the Nurse with Wound list.

Musical style and sound

[edit]

Agitation Free's music is psychedelic, experimental krautrock with elements of spaced-out ambient, experimental electronic and drone. The music for the most part consists of driving organ-patterned drone-like rock; seamless psychedelic cosmic musical textures with intricate musicianship and musical variety; hard, driving rock similar to Amon Düül II; and jamming that occasionally invokes the interplay and styles of Garcia, Weir and Lesh of The Grateful Dead and hints at a blues rock base not unlike The Allman Brothers Band. Many of their songs have a trance-inducing, psychedelic feel with sections of driving rock fueled by fiery and melodic moving guitar lines and solid, propelling and intricate drumming and a prominent bass line. All of Agitation Free's songs are instrumental apart from some recitation on "Haunted Island".

First Communication
A sample of the track "First Communication" from the album 2nd
Problems playing this file? See media help.

Their first album Malesch is cosmic, aggressive, psychedelic, creative, ethnically flavored (mainly by short interludes of recordings from Egypt), whereas their second, titled 2nd is more laid-back and upbeat, with longer structure, much more of an emphasis on traditional styled jamming à la the Grateful Dead and a warmer and more straightforward sound. On Malesch the songs blend together to make a seamlessly flowing, tangential and uninterrupted musical journey, whereas on 2nd songs are more predictably structured, more varied in their sound and stand more as independent works.

Their sound is similar to, but fairly distinguishable from, other contemporary Krautrock bands such as Ash Ra Tempel, Amon Düül II, Guru Guru, Brainticket, Yatha Sidhra and Kalacakra, as well as the mixed-influence blues-based jam rock of The Grateful Dead and The Allman Brothers noticeable on 2nd, and slightly later and more symphonic bands like Asia Minor and Anyone's Daughter.

Personnel

[edit]

Members

[edit]
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars (1967–1974, 1998–1999, 2007, 2012–)
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar (1967–1974, 1998–1999, 2007, 2012)
  • Christopher Franke – drums (1967–1971)
  • Lutz Ludwig Kramer – guitars (1967–1970)
  • Michael Duwe – vocals (1967)
  • Ax Genrich – guitars (1970)
  • Jörg Schwenke – guitars (1970–1973)
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics (1971–1974, 2007, 2012–)
  • Burghard Rausch – drums (1971–1974, 1998–1999, 2007, 2012–)
  • Dietmar Burmeister – drums, percussion (1973)
  • Stefan Diez – guitars (1973)
  • Gustl Lütjens – guitars (1973–1974, 1998–1999, 2007, 2012–2013)
  • Bernhard Arndt – keyboards (1974)
  • Daniel Cordes – bass guitar (2012-)

Lineups

[edit]

N.B. changes in bold

1967–1970 1970 1970–1971 1971–1973
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Lutz Ludwig Kramer – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Christopher Franke – drums
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Christopher Franke – drums
  • Axel Genrich – guitars
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Christopher Franke – drums
  • Jörg Schwenke – guitars
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Jörg Schwenke – guitars
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
1973 spring 1973 mid 1973–1974 1974
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Jörg Schwenke – guitars
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Dietmar Burmeister – drums, percussion
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Stefan Diez – guitars
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Gustl Lütjens – guitars
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Gustl Lütjens – guitars
  • Bernhard Arndt – keyboards
1975–1997 1998–1999 2000–2006 2007

Disbanded

  • Lutz Graf-Ulbrich – guitars, keyboards
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Gustl Lütjens – guitars, keyboards

Disbanded

  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Gustl Lütjens – guitars
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
2008–2011 2012 2013 2014–present

Disbanded

  • Lutz Graf-Ulbrich – guitars
  • Michael Günther – bass guitar
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Gustl Lütjens – guitars
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
  • Lutz Ulbrich – guitars
  • Burghard Rausch – drums
  • Gustl Lütjens – guitars
  • Michael Hoenig – keyboards, electronics
  • Daniel Cordes – bass guitar

Disbanded

Discography

[edit]
  • Malesch (1972)
  • 2nd (1973)
  • Last (released 1976, recorded live 1974)
  • Fragments (released 1995 and again in 1996, recorded live 1974)
  • At the Cliffs of River Rhine (released 1998, recorded live 1974) Garden of Delights
  • The Other Sides of Agitation Free (released 1999, recorded in Berlin, 1974)
  • River of Return (1999)
  • Shibuya Nights (live February 2007 in Tokyo, released 2011 on Esoteric Recordings)
  • Momentum (2023)

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Agitation Free

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from Grokipedia
Agitation Free is a German experimental rock band formed in in 1967 through the merger of two local rock groups, emerging as a pioneering force in the and Berlin School movements. Known for their extended improvisational pieces that fused with influences from electro, ethno, jazz, and , the band developed a distinctive sound characterized by long-form instrumental explorations and experimentation. The band's early lineup evolved rapidly, with key members including guitarist Lutz "Lüül" Ulbrich, bassist Michael "Fame" Günther, keyboardist Michael Hoenig, guitarist Gustl Lütjens, and drummer Burghard Rausch, alongside alumni like drummer Christopher Franke (later of Tangerine Dream) and guitarist Axel Genrich (of Guru Guru). They debuted prominently at the First German Progressive Pop Festival in 1970 and achieved international recognition with a 1972 tour of Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece sponsored by the Goethe Institute, which directly inspired their breakthrough album Malesch—a fusion of Western rock and Middle Eastern motifs released that year on Vertigo Records. Additional milestones included performances at the 1972 Munich Olympics cultural program, the 1973 German Rock Super Concert in Frankfurt, and the Warschauer Herbst Festival, solidifying their cult status in the European progressive scene. After releasing their second album, 2nd, in 1973 and touring extensively across , Agitation Free disbanded in 1974 amid the pressures of constant roadwork and creative divergences. The group reunited in 1998, leading to the live album River of Return (1999) and further recordings like Shibuya Nights (2007, from concerts) and (2023), with occasional lineup changes including bassist Daniel Cordes and, in 2024, guitarist Axel Heilhecker and keyboardist Tim Sund. Their legacy endures through reissues, archival releases, and influence on subsequent electronic and artists, with members like Hoenig pursuing notable careers in film scoring.

History

Formation and Early Development

Agitation Free originated in in the autumn of 1967, formed through the merger of two local bands amid the city's vibrant revolutionary atmosphere. The Sentries, featuring guitarist Lutz "Lüül" Ulbrich and drummer Christopher Franke, combined with Ugly Things, which included guitarist and vocalist Lutz Ludwig Kramer and bassist Michael "Fame" Günther, to create a new ensemble initially known as Agitation. This formation reflected the experimental spirit of Berlin's underground scene, where the group began developing extended instrumental improvisations influenced by . In , the band renamed itself Agitation Free, drawing inspiration from a advertising a free concert that read "Agitation Free," symbolizing both musical agitation and their anti-commercial ethos of accessible performances. This change underscored their commitment to and freedom from conventional structures, aligning with the Fluxus-inspired prevalent in West Berlin's circles. Early rehearsals took place in spaces like the Electronic Beat Studio, where the members experimented with free-form sessions blending rock elements with emerging electronic sounds. The band's initial public appearances included gigs at universities and as the at Berlin's Zodiac Club, the city's first underground venue, which served as a hub for innovative acts and the left-wing . By 1969, they incorporated elements such as liquid projectors and slides into their shows, enhancing the psychedelic experience during performances at events like the Intermedia festival at Waldschule. A significant milestone came in early 1970 when Agitation Free performed at the First German Festival held at the Berliner Sportpalast on , sharing with prominent acts and solidifying their presence in the progressive scene. Lineup fluctuations marked this formative period, with drummer Christopher Franke joining early but departing around 1969 to pursue opportunities with , while guitarist Stephan Diez contributed briefly before leaving. These changes, including the temporary involvement of other musicians like Axel Genrich, led to a brief split in 1969, after which the core members reformed with renewed focus on original compositions. Through consistent local gigs, the band honed an instrumental style rooted in psychedelic improvisation, drawing from influences such as Thomas Kessler and peers in the Berlin School, laying the groundwork for their evolving identity by 1971.

Classic Era and International Tours

In April 1972, Agitation Free embarked on a significant tour organized by the Goethe Institute, performing in , , , and , which exposed the band to diverse ethnographic sounds and rhythms that profoundly shaped their musical direction. This journey inspired the incorporation of Middle Eastern influences into their work, evident in field recordings and improvisational elements captured during the trip. Later that year, the band participated in the cultural program of the Summer Olympics, delivering a performance that highlighted their experimental style to an international audience. Drawing from the tour's impressions, Agitation Free recorded and released their debut album Malesch in 1972 on Vertigo Records, featuring tracks like "Sahara City" that blended psychedelic improvisations with exotic percussion and ambient textures. The album marked a pivotal shift toward global sonic exploration within the krautrock genre, integrating live audience recordings and Eastern motifs to create a dense, immersive soundscape. In July 1973, they followed with their second album 2nd, also on Vertigo, which emphasized drone and ambient elements through extended instrumental passages and synthesizers, evoking early Tangerine Dream influences while maintaining the band's rhythmic propulsion. The band's momentum continued into 1973 with a two-month tour across , including a notable live appearance on the ORTF television program Rock en Stock in , where they showcased extended jams blending jazz-rock and psychedelic improvisation. Concurrently, recordings of their rehearsals and discussions prompted German broadcasters SFB and WDR to collaborate on an experimental featuring the group, further cementing their reputation for innovative projects. However, the relentless pace of touring and diverging artistic visions among members—particularly around the balance of experimental versus structured compositions—led to mounting internal tensions, culminating in the band's disbandment in 1974.

Disbandment and Initial Reunions

Agitation Free disbanded in 1974 amid the strains of relentless touring and diverging creative visions among its five core members, who sought individual musical paths thereafter. Drummer Christopher Franke soon joined , where he played a key role in elevating the band's global profile through innovative electronic compositions. The group remained inactive throughout the 1970s and 1980s, producing no new material during this time, though archival recordings from their active years surfaced as posthumous releases that sustained interest among listeners. Over these decades, Agitation Free cultivated a growing within circles, recognized for their pioneering blend of , ethnic influences, and . In 1998, guitarist Lutz Ulbrich spearheaded a reunion of the original 1974 lineup, sparked by a casual gathering that reignited their collaborative spirit after over two decades apart. This effort yielded the studio album River of Return in 1999, featuring tracks that merged the band's signature acoustic-driven, improvisational sound with contemporary production elements like enhanced feedback and spacey swells. The reunion extended into low-key performances in during the early , where the band revisited and performed archival pieces from their catalog, marking a tentative return to live activity without broader touring commitments.

Modern Reunions and Recent Activity

In 2007, Agitation Free reunited for three performances in , prompted by their induction into the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, which were captured on the live Shibuya Nights, released in 2011 by Esoteric Recordings. The documents the band's energetic renditions of classics like "Sahara City" and "In the Silence of the Morning Sunrise," showcasing their enduring improvisation in a Japanese setting. Following the success of Nights, the band embarked on European tours from 2012 to 2014, promoting the release with performances in cities including , , , and , as well as at the Burg Herzberg Festival. These tours featured expanded setlists incorporating rarities from their early catalog, such as extended jams on "Laila" and "Rücksturz," drawing enthusiastic crowds and reinforcing their legacy in the progressive rock scene. A notable highlight was their 2013 at Kesselhaus in , later released as a live recording that captured the group's dynamic interplay. In 2023, Agitation Free returned with their first studio album in over two decades, Momentum, released on November 24 by MIG Music, blending original members like Lutz "Lüül" Graf-Ulbrich and Burghard Rausch with newer contributors. The album's tracks, such as "Levant" and "InDaJungle," emphasize trance-like electronic textures and cinematic grooves, evolving their roots into a modern experimental sound. It received positive critical reception for its fresh yet nostalgic approach, with reviewers praising its percussive depth and melodic improvisation as a vital update to the genre. Lineup adjustments in 2024 included the addition of guitarist Axel Heilhecker, enhancing the band's dual-guitar attack, and Tim Sund replacing Michael Hoenig on keyboards for live performances, ensuring continuity in their improvisational style. This refreshed configuration debuted at the Burg Herzberg Festival in July 2024, where they performed tracks from alongside classics, maintaining high energy in front of festival audiences. The band's activity continued into 2025 with ongoing European tours, including an appearance at the Finkenbach Festival in August and scheduled concerts in on November 30 and on December 1, solidifying their relevance through consistent live engagements that blend archival material with new material. These events, often featuring visuals and extended improvisations, have kept Agitation Free a fixture in the progressive and circuits.

Musical Style and Influences

Core Characteristics

Agitation Free's foundational musical style in the 1970s centered on primarily compositions that wove psychedelic, drone, and ambient textures, deliberately avoiding conventional verse-chorus structures in favor of , exploratory forms. This approach created immersive soundscapes driven by repetition and pulsating rhythms, often evoking a trance-like propulsion that defined their identity. Extended improvisations formed the backbone of their performances, allowing for organic development of motifs through layered , including guitars, keyboards, and percussion. A hallmark of their sonic signature was the integration of ethnographic elements, such as Middle Eastern scales and field recordings captured during their 1972 tour across , , , and , which infused their work with exotic timbres and modal explorations. These were complemented by electronic experimentation, particularly with early synthesizers, producing ethereal swells and textural depth that blurred boundaries between rock and ambient electronica. For example, the track "First Communication" from their 1973 illustrates this through its gradual build from wind-like sound effects into hypnotic, repetitive guitar lines and improvisational swells. Influences from , electro-acoustic techniques, and emerging trance aesthetics positioned Agitation Free as pioneers alongside bands like Can and , emphasizing collective creativity over rigid composition. Vocal elements remained sparse and unconventional, typically manifesting as spoken recitations or atmospheric interjections that enhanced the music's cinematic quality without dominating the instrumental focus.

Evolution and Key Innovations

Following their 1972 tour of , , , and —sponsored by the Goethe Institute—Agitation Free shifted from the raw of their early work toward fusions of , incorporating Middle Eastern scales and rhythms into their improvisational framework. This evolution is particularly evident in their 1973 album 2nd, where ambient drones and expansive, sun-kissed jams replaced denser structures, blending with jazz-inflected spaciousness to create lighter, more melodic soundscapes. In the band's 1999 reunion album River of Return, produced by Uli "Potsch" Potschka, modern production techniques introduced subtle digital elements, such as layered electronic textures, while preserving the core emphasis on live and meditative rock-blues-jazz hybrids. This marked an innovative bridge between their analog roots and contemporary recording methods, allowing for clearer delineation of improvisational passages without sacrificing organic flow. The 2007 live album Shibuya Nights, recorded during performances at the invitation of dedicated Japanese fans, captured this evolving energy through extended trance-like improvisations, with audience responsiveness extending tracks into hypnotic, rhythmic explorations influenced by the venue's intimate atmosphere. Key innovations in Agitation Free's sound include Michael Hoenig's pioneering use of synthesizers, starting with the and EMS Synthi on 2nd, which added ethereal layers to their psychedelic base and foreshadowed his later work with . Complementing this, Lutz "Lüül" Graf-Ulbrich's integration of —alongside electric and acoustic guitars—introduced folk-tinged textures that evolved into richer, multi-instrumental soundscapes across decades. These elements culminated in the 2023 album , where ethno-jazz motifs merge with contemporary synthesizers and electronic percussion, renewing electro- layers in tracks like "" and emphasizing the band's ongoing improvisational . Recent 2020s tours, including 2023 and 2024 performances, highlight underappreciated trance influences through extended live improvisations, such as rare renditions of archival pieces adapted with modern electronic extensions. This improvisational approach persisted in 2025 tours, including performances at the Finkenbach Festival (August 8), 2DaysProg+1 Festival (September 6), and a concert (December 1), featuring extended trance-like sets with electronic extensions.

Band Members

Current Lineup

As of 2025, the current lineup of Agitation Free consists of founding members Lutz “Lüül” Graf-Ulbrich on guitar and , who has been with since 1967 and serves as the primary songwriter and leader of its reunions, and Burghard Rausch on , also a founding member since 1967 whose steady rhythms provide the foundational pulse for the band's signature improvisational style. Complementing the core duo are Daniel Cordes on bass and , who joined around 2012 and became the permanent following the death of original Michael Günther in 2014 and has since incorporated modern electronic elements to enhance the group's sound. Axel Heilhecker joined as second guitarist in January 2024, bringing virtuosic playing that bolsters the live dynamics during tours supporting the band's recent output. Tim Sund took over keyboards in summer 2024, succeeding Michael Hoenig for live performances; drawing from the progressive rock scene with his band , Sund adds fresh textures while preserving the original atmospheric essence. This configuration has driven the band's activities from 2023 to 2025, including the recording of the studio album —which features new compositions alongside reinterpreted classics—and appearances at major festivals such as Burg Herzberg in July 2024 and Finkenbach in August 2025, alongside European tour dates.

Former Members and Timeline

Agitation Free's lineup evolved significantly from its formation in 1967 through its disbandment in 1974 and subsequent reunions, reflecting the fluid nature of the scene. The original quartet consisted of bassist Michael "Fame" Günther, Lutz "Lüül" Ulbrich, and vocalist Lutz "Ludwig" Kramer, and drummer Christopher Franke. Kramer departed around due to internal disagreements, later relocating to where he pursued solo work and humanitarian efforts with CARITAS. He was replaced by Axel Genrich, who served from to 1972 and contributed to the band's developing improvisational style before joining . Stephan Diez had a brief early tenure on guitar around this period, though his most notable impact came later in 1973 when he rejoined briefly, adding elegant soloing to tracks on the album 2nd. Diez passed away in February 2017 at age 63. In 1971, major transitions solidified the band's classic 1970s core. Drummer Christopher Franke left to co-found Tangerine Dream, where his precise yet experimental drumming—evident in Agitation Free's early live performances—helped propel the group to international prominence. He was succeeded by Burghard Rausch on drums, who joined in September 1971 and remained through the band's initial disbandment, later participating in reunions. Keyboardist and synthesizer player Michael Hoenig also entered in February 1971, introducing innovative electronic textures that defined albums like Malesch, including layered synthesizer work that blended ethnic influences with krautrock improvisation. Hoenig continued with the band in various capacities through reunions until 2024, when he stepped back from live performances while staying involved creatively; he later achieved success as a film composer in Hollywood after collaborations with Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream. Guitarist Jörg Schwenke joined around 1970 but left in 1973 amid personal struggles, replaced first by Diez and then by guitarist and vocalist Gustl Lütjens, who served from 1973 until the 1974 disbandment and rejoined for later activities. Lütjens contributed melodic guitar lines and vocals, toured with artists like Shirley Bassey and Nena, and co-founded the new-age group Living Mirrors before his death in September 2017. Bassist Michael Günther, a founding member, anchored the rhythm section from 1967 until his death in March 2014, also serving as technical coordinator for the Jazz Festival and co-founding the post-Agitation Free project Lagoona. His passing prompted the addition of Daniel Cordes on bass for subsequent reunions starting around 2014. The band's 1974 disbandment followed internal conflicts after international tours, but sporadic reunions in 1998, 2007, and 2012 featured returning members like Rausch, Hoenig, and Lütjens. Further changes occurred post-2017 with Lütjens's death, leading to Axel Heilhecker joining on guitar in January 2024 to fill the void. The 2024 transition saw Hoenig's touring exit, with Tim Sund taking over keyboards in the summer, marking the latest shift in the band's enduring legacy.
MemberInstrument(s)Tenure(s)Key Contributions and Notes
Lutz "Ludwig" KramerGuitar, vocals1967–1970Early improvisational guitar; left due to disagreements; later solo albums and residency.
Axel GenrichGuitar1970–1972Added dynamic riffs to transitional phase; joined post-departure.
Christopher FrankeDrums, 1967–1971Foundational drumming on early tracks; later co-founder and film composer.
Jörg SchwenkeGuitar1970–1973Contributed to pre-Malesch sound; left due to issues; died 1990.
Stephan DiezGuitarBrief early; 1973 (main)Elegant solos on 2nd; later NDR Big Band member and professor; died 2017.
Michael HoenigKeyboards, 1971–1974; reunions to 2024Synthesizer innovations on Malesch and beyond; solo and film work; stepped back from touring 2024.
Gustl LütjensGuitar, vocals1973–1974; reunions to 2017Melodic contributions to later era and ; sideman for Bassey/; died 2017.
Michael GüntherBass1967–1974; reunions to 2014Core rhythm anchor; technical role in festival; co-founded Lagoona; died 2014.

Discography

Studio Albums

Agitation Free's debut studio album, Malesch, released in 1972 on Vertigo Records, was recorded in July 1972 at Audio-Tonstudio in Berlin immediately following the band's tour through Lebanon, Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus. The seven-track record fuses krautrock with Middle Eastern and global sonic elements, highlighted by the expansive title track and "Sahara City," which incorporate droning electronics, space rock exploration, and hypnotic rhythms inspired by the tour's cultural encounters. Critics acclaimed the album for its innovative blend of heavy, space-driven atmospheres, extended guitar solos, and mesmerizing Middle Eastern influences, establishing it as a cornerstone of experimental krautrock. The band's sophomore effort, 2nd, followed in 1973 on , recorded at Studio 70 in with production oversight from the Music Factory team. Featuring extended compositions such as the 8-minute opener "First Communication" and the ambient-leaning "In the Silence of the Morning Sunrise," the shifts toward lighter, more melodic structures with upbeat prog elements and intricate guitar work alongside spacey synthesizers. Reviewers praised its ambient experimentation and departure from the denser Malesch, noting the hypnotic rhythms and electronic textures that enhance its chill, improvisational vibe. After disbanding in the mid-, Agitation Free reunited in 1998 and issued River of Return in 1999 on Revisited Records, a ten-track effort that revives their signature style through cleaner, modern production while incorporating phrases and accents. Key highlights include the pretty, 8-minute title track and the 10-minute "Susie Sells Seashells at the Seashore," which blend psychedelic with ethno-jazz undertones. Initially a limited-release reunion project, it was later reissued on vinyl in , capturing the band's enduring experimental spirit. The group's most recent studio album, Momentum, arrived on November 24, 2023, via MIG Music, featuring seven tracks performed by a lineup blending original members like Michael Hoenig and Lutz "Lüül" Ulbrich with newer contributors. Recorded with improvised electro, ethno, jazz, and trance elements, highlights include the 8-minute opener "Nouveau Son," the percussive "Levant," and the title track's bubbling synthesizers and sweet bass grooves. As their first full studio release since 1999, it creates cinematic soundscapes that affirm Agitation Free's innovative legacy. Throughout their career, Agitation Free's 1970s studio albums garnered cult status in the krautrock scene for their experimental fusion, with Malesch and 2nd particularly revered for pioneering ambient and global influences. In the 2020s, this legacy has seen renewed interest through high-quality vinyl reissues by MIG Music and others, including remastered editions of Malesch, 2nd, and River of Return, boosting accessibility and appreciation among new audiences.

Live Recordings and Compilations

Agitation Free's live recordings and compilations primarily consist of posthumous releases from their original 1970s era, alongside archival material unearthed in the 1990s and live documents from their reunions starting in the late . These releases capture the band's improvisational ethos, often drawn from radio broadcasts, concerts, and unreleased tapes, preserving their fusion of , , and ethnic influences. The earliest significant live release is Last (1976), a posthumous album recorded during the band's final performances in in July 1973 and a radio session in in February 1974. Featuring extended improvisations like the 20-minute title track, it documents the lineup including Stefan Diez on guitar and Dietmar Burmeister on , marking the end of their initial run with raw, unpolished energy. In the , a series of archival compilations formalized previously bootlegged or unreleased material from sessions, highlighting the band's undocumented radio and live work. Fragments (1995) compiles live recordings from that year, including tracks like "You Play for Us Today" performed with intensity reflective of their experimental phase. This was followed by At the Cliffs of River Rhine (1998), drawn from a February 1974 WDR radio concert in , featuring the core lineup of Lutz "Lüül" Ulbrich, Michael Günther, and Burghard Rausch, with pieces such as "Through the Moods" showcasing their atmospheric jamming. The Other Sides of Agitation Free (1999) adds Berlin studio and live fragments from the same period, bundling rarities that reveal transitional compositions between their studio albums. These efforts, often on labels like Garden of Delights, elevated fan-circulated bootlegs into official formats, broadening access to the band's ephemeral output. The band's 2007 reunion spurred fresh live documentation, with Shibuya Nights (released 2011) capturing three concerts at Shibuya O-West in Tokyo during their Japanese tour. Recorded with original members Ulbrich, Günther, and Rausch alongside Gustl Lütjens and Michael Hoenig, the album revives classics like "Sahara City" and introduces improvisations such as the title track, blending 1970s motifs with contemporary flair; multi-track recordings allowed for post-production mixing to enhance clarity. Released on MIG-music in CD/DVD and vinyl formats, it stands as a testament to the reunion's vitality, running over 70 minutes across sets that echo their psychedelic roots. Subsequent releases include Live '74 [At the Cliffs of River Rhine] (2016), an expanded edition of the 1998 album with additional tracks from the Cologne radio session, including a bonus "Big Fuzz" from a 1972 performance. This MIG-music compilation integrates 1973-1974 fragments previously scattered across Last and Fragments, offering a cohesive archival snapshot. A 2016 box set further bundles Last, Fragments, and Live '74 with a DVD of 2013 concerts from Berlin's Kesselhaus and Burg Herzberg Festival, incorporating unreleased tracks like "In Da Jungl" to underscore the band's enduring improvisational legacy. In the , vinyl reissues of these live works, such as remastered editions of Last (2019) and Fragments (2019), have sustained interest, often limited to colored pressings on MIG-music. While no full compilation from the tour or subsequent performances has been released as of 2025, fan-uploaded videos from festivals like Herzberg (July 2024) and Finkenbach (August 2025) preview performances of new material from the album , suggesting potential future archival collections to document the band's ongoing evolution. These releases collectively safeguard Agitation Free's spontaneous performances, ensuring their influence on endures beyond the stage.

References

  1. https://agitation-free.de/shortbioe.html
  2. https://agitationfree.com/en/bio/
  3. https://www.mig-music.de/en/releases/agitation-free-2/
  4. https://www.furious.com/perfect/agitationfree2.html
  5. https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2011/12/agitation-free-interview-with-michae.html
  6. https://agitation-free.de/anfange.html
  7. https://www.discogs.com/master/25678-Agitation-Free-2nd
  8. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=3186
  9. https://aquariumdrunkard.com/2022/02/03/agitation-free-ortf-studio-paris-1973/
  10. http://expose.org/index.php/articles/display/agitation-free-river-of-return-2.html
  11. https://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=627
  12. https://www.stewartlee.co.uk/album-review-archive/agitation-free-shibuya-nights-live-in-tokyo/
  13. https://www.lasercd.com/vinyl/shibuya-nights-2lp-vinyl
  14. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=34633
  15. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/agitation-free-2bd6ec82.html
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV7mDav_1nw
  17. https://www.mig-music.de/en/experimental-rock-legend-agitation-free-return-with-new-album-momentum/
  18. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=82854
  19. http://expose.org/index.php/articles/display/agitation-free-momentum-2.html
  20. https://www.progarchives.com/review.asp?id=2982314
  21. https://agitationfree.com/en/news/statement/
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQJfkRTOEcY
  23. https://agitationfree.com/en/home/live/
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Rj5Hp3gSY
  25. https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2013/apr/17/popandrock
  26. https://www.fusetronsound.com/products/agitation-free-river-of-return
  27. https://www.voices-in-the-net.de/__mh.htm
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtwA5bwYASY
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtLJqZTYK_0
  30. https://agitationfree.com/en/news/agitation-free-spielt-beim-finkenbachfestival-am-8-8-2025/
  31. https://agitationfree.com/en/news/agitation-free-spielt-beim-2daysprog1-festival-2025-in-italien/
  32. https://www.visitberlin.de/en/event/agitation-free
  33. https://agitationfree.com/en/musiker/lutz-luul-ulbrich/
  34. https://agitationfree.com/en/musiker/daniel-cordes/
  35. https://agitation-free.de/musicianse.html
  36. https://www.discogs.com/artist/117565-Agitation-Free
  37. https://agitationfree.com/en/news/traurige-nachricht-stephan-diez-einst-gitarrist-bei-agitation-free-ist-gestorben/
  38. https://agitationfree.com/en/news/gustl-luetjens-gestorben/
  39. https://www.forcedexposure.com/Artists/AGITATION.FREE.html
  40. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=3185
  41. https://vinylwriters.com/mark-lagers-desert-cds-agitation-free-malesch-1972/
  42. https://www.amazon.com/Malesch-AGITATION-FREE/dp/B07PBD7RJ4
  43. https://www.discogs.com/master/25689-Agitation-Free-%25D9%2585%25D8%25B9%25D9%2584%25D9%258A%25D8%25B4-Malesch
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/1174314-Agitation-Free-2nd
  45. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/agitation-free/2nd/
  46. https://www.allmusic.com/album/2nd-mw0000457622
  47. https://mvdshop.com/products/agitation-free-2nd-lp
  48. https://music.apple.com/us/album/river-of-return/1518206612
  49. https://agitationfree.com/en/diskografie-2/river-of-return/
  50. https://mvdshop.com/products/agitation-free-river-of-return-vinyl-album
  51. https://www.mig-music.de/en/releases/agitation-free-18/
  52. https://www.discogs.com/master/25684-Agitation-Free-Last
  53. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=3187
  54. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=627
  55. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/22326-agitation-free/
  56. https://www.discogs.com/master/677049-Agitation-Free-Shibuya-Nights-Live-In-Tokyo
  57. https://agitationfree.com/en/diskografie-2/shibuya-nights/
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/24248888-Agitation-Free-Last-Fragments-Live-74
  59. https://www.mig-music.de/en/agitation-free-brilliant-box-with-rare-material-and-new-live-dvd/
  60. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th-MnDH06Ho
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