FRIZ BE – Hmm... (Piglet, 1981)

English vocals, instrumental

International relevance: **

Certainly one of the most peculiar albums on this blog, and some would probably argue it isn't progg at all. But, while it's perhaps closer to experimental and minimal synth, I've decided it has enough progg credentials to warrant inclusion. First of all, it was released on Uppsala label Piglet which also put out albums by Teddybjörn Band, Kaipa, Musikgruppen RAA, Jonas Palm and other strongly progg related acts. Also, it's not that far removed in attitude from Psynkopat. Which is a different way of saying that this is a clueless mess of being experimental and weird for the sole reason of being experimental and weird. Which, in turn, is to say this album is irritating beyond sense.

The brain behind Friz Be is one Roland Zinders who was also involved in another Piglet act, Imp Ink. The voice you hear is by Bengt (you know – Bengt). Bengt's lack of vocal talent perfectly matches Zinder's lack of musical direction and substance. I have a hard time finding any redeeming qualities in this album, but after trying the best I'm capable of, ”Half Brain Naked” is OK in a Njurmännen ballad kind of style (even the title sounds like something off a Njurmännen release). The dark instrumental that wraps up the album, ”Hommage au Muzak” is decent too, and reminiscent of Jonas Palm's soundscapes – is it possible that Palm, whose ”Ze Wörmnest” was another Piglet release, is somehow involved in this album?

”Hm...” was inspired by Gothenburg's Dan Fröberg of GOG cult fame. (GOG is known for their excessively rare and wildly avantgardist 1979 ”Beatless E.P.”) It was recorded in a barn in five days, but I doubt even years of recording sessions would have made it any better.

Some call this a classic. I call this a piece of shit.

I Throw Punches

Now Is The Time
Brosk Conversation

Half Brain Naked

Lufituaeb Eb Ot

Elegant But Very Fast 

Here We Go