Fielfraz

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Fielfraz was a Danish band who had their heyday between 1990 and 1996. The band members were Claus Hempler on guitar and vocals, Nils Brakchi on bass, Kenneth Priisholm on guitar (lead) and Jens Langhorn on drums. As for the bandname it stems from the German word for wolverine.

After several years of building up a fine live reputation in Odense Fielfraz broke through in Denmark with their very first record Shine that gained good reviews, a large audience, as well as a big hit with the title song. Shine was a Beatlesque rock record that had a broad pop/rock appeal and hit a dry spot on a Danish rock scene that had very few mainstream guitar bands at the time. 1992's Electric Eel also included big radiohits like Surfer and Naked but the album as a whole was a lesser success. The difficult third album "Slick" came late and although widely critically acclaimed, it was largely ignored by the public. Hereafter the activities of Fielfraz gradually clinged out, although they never officially broke up. However Priisholm eventually left the band, leaving Fielfraz as a trio, that all appeared on the album Hempler. Instead of following under the Fielfraz moniker the album introduced Claus Hempler as a solo artist in 2004, and gave him a significant comeback on the Danish scene.

Fielfraz are often cited as an influence on Danish rock and grunge bands that broke through in the early 90's like Kashmir and Dizzy Mizz Lizzy. It is more true that they paved the way for these bands on the national Danish radio (Danmarks Radio, P3). Fielfraz´ influences were primarily British, Priisholms guitarplay was influenced by everything from new wave, XTC to King Crimson and Claus Hemplers lyrics and vocal talent always rendered Elvis Costello. Fielfrazs songbook ranged from indiepop to mainstream rock, from garagedrive to ballad croon, and their heterogeneous style were their strength as well as their weakness. Shine is a charming album and Electric eel has its moments. However it's Slick that stands out as a flawed but awesome swansong.