Message was a significant yet under-recognized fixture of the German progressive rock scene, formed in 1968 by British expatriates Allan Murdoch and Tommy McGuigan. While often categorized as Krautrock due to their geography and era, their sound was more rooted in heavy psychedelia and early progressive rock, characterized by a distinctive use of woodwinds (saxophone and flute) as lead instruments alongside Murdoch's aggressive guitar.
Their 1973 masterpiece, 'From Books and Dreams,' is widely considered a cult classic of the genre, noted for its dark, immersive production and complex arrangements. The band underwent significant stylistic shifts following McGuigan's departure after 'Synapse' (1976), moving toward more accessible, jazz-influenced, and even pop-oriented sounds on later albums like 'Astral Journeys.' Despite these changes, their early work remains a vital link between the British blues-rock explosion and the experimental spirit of the German underground. Critical consensus highlights their ability to create 'heavy' music that remains atmospheric and intellectually engaging, influencing a niche of collectors focused on the darker fringes of the 1970s Brain Records catalog.
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); mysterious, brooding, contemplative (moods)
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); mysterious, brooding, contemplative (moods)
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, layered_dense (production style)
Shares analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, layered_dense (production style); mysterious, brooding, contemplative (moods)
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive rock, art rock, psychedelic rock (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); analog_warmth, reverb_heavy, layered_dense (production style)
Shares progressive rock, psychedelic rock, art rock (subgenres); stargazing, fog, midnight (atmosphere)
Shares organ, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, hard rock (instrumentation)
Shares progressive rock, organ, psychedelic rock, hard rock (signature)
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