Album Review: Live by Attack (1983)
Alright, so let’s talk about this hidden gem from 1983—Live by Attack. It’s one of those albums that kinda sneaks up on you, blending Latin grooves, funky vibes, and jazzy improvisations into a wild fusion cocktail. Released in Austria on the Bellaphon label, it’s got this raw, live energy that just screams “we’re having fun up here, and you should too!”
First off, props to the crew behind this thing. You’ve got Joseph Huber conducting, Otto Irsic laying down some serious drum work, and Wolfgang Peisser shredding on electric guitar like it’s nobody’s business. And can we take a second to appreciate Gerd Schuller? Dude kills it on both Fender Rhodes and Korg CX 3 keyboards—it’s like he’s got four hands or something. Oh, and Koce Andonov on tenor saxophone? Absolute fire.
Now, onto the tracks. If I had to pick two standouts, I’d go with Heavy Funk and Freedom Jazzdance.
Heavy Funk is exactly what it sounds like—a thick, groovy monster of a track that’ll make your head nod whether you want it to or not. The bassline by Erich Reinberger is so smooth it feels greasy, and when Peisser’s guitar comes in with those sharp, biting licks, it’s like someone spiked your coffee with adrenaline. This tune sticks with me because it doesn’t try too hard—it just lets the groove do its thing, and man, does it deliver.
Then there’s Freedom Jazzdance. It’s got this cool, laid-back vibe at first, but don’t get too comfy—it quickly spirals into an explosive jam session. Koce Andonov’s sax solo is INSANE. Like, close-your-eyes-and-forget-where-you-are insane. When he really starts wailing, you can almost picture him losing his mind on stage while everyone else tries to keep up. That mix of chaos and control is what makes this track unforgettable for me.
Other highlights include Calypso Und Blues, which brings in some Caribbean flair, and Schlagzeugsolo Über "Pick Up The Pieces"—a drum solo over Average White Band’s classic hit. Yeah, it’s as nerdy as it sounds, but Otto Irsic pulls it off with style.
So yeah, Live might not be perfect, but that’s part of its charm. It’s messy, bold, and unapologetically human. Listening to it feels like stumbling into a smoky jazz club in Vienna where no one cares if you’re late—they’re all too busy vibing.
Here’s the kicker though: why isn’t this album more famous? Seriously, how does something this good fly under the radar? Maybe it’s the Austrian connection, or maybe people were too busy rocking out to Michael Jackson that year. Either way, Live deserves way more love than it gets. So grab a copy, crank it up, and let Attack blow your socks off. Your ears will thank you later… probably.
