When it comes to obscure prog bands, these guys might just take first prize. Fifty years ago, four British chaps known collectively as Sindelfingen released their only complete studio album, the delightfully named Odgipig – but only 100 copies were made available. Thanks to the Internet, however, we now have regular access to a particularly rare gem such as this one.
Odgipig, although somewhat inconsistent in places, is a solid and even rather original debut. Unlike many of their prog contemporaries, Sindelfingen forwent the typical keyboard setup and opted instead for a glockenspiel (played superbly by Roger Woods), which lends the album a unique and pastoral sound a la Jethro Tull’s Songs from the Wood. This sound is shaped also by the presence of acoustic guitars and recorder (both played with finesse by Mark Letley), especially on “Today and Tomorrow” and “Perpetual Motion,” the former being, in my humble opinion, the strongest track on the album. Lead singer Richard Manktelow (who also plays guitar) and drummer Roger Thorn are no slouches themselves, however, in their respective roles. Manktelow’s vocals are easy on the ears and Thorn anchors a dependable rhythm section with Letley (who also plays bass; he’s the type of musician who might have been recruited by Gentle Giant).
Sindelfingen enjoyed a brief foray into the prog world before fading into obscurity, but we today can appreciate the little gem they left behind for us. Below is the original album along with some bonus tracks that are also worth a listen.
Progarchy 