Xhol Caravan

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Xhol Caravan, known first as Soul Caravan, and ultimately as Xhol, was one of the first bands who participated at the end of the 1960s in the launch of the Krautrock movement in Germany. Their music draws from varied influences and is quite difficult to categorize.

Their early musical roots combine rhythm & blues with soul tendencies. Their first album, "Get In High" appeared on the CBS label, and is really a soul record with some psychedelic touches. With their second album "Electrip", released under the name Xhol Caravan on the Hansa label, they rapidly found their own style which is an original fusion of free jazz, psychedelic rock and electronic experimentation. Very dynamic, their jazz rock can be compared with that of Soft Machine. However the unusual use of electric instruments and electronic manipulations made Xhol absolutely unique. After "Electrip", the band carried on their musical adventure with two jazz rock albums, both on the obscure Ohr/Metronome label, and both using the final abbreviated band name of Xhol. Dominated by extended improvisation, "Hau-Ruk" is a must for fusion and jazz lovers.

Their last studio album "Motherfuckers GmbH & Co. KG" is regarded by many Xhol fans as their high point. It was recorded in 1970 but released only in 1972. All its compositions have their own feelings, sometimes delivering captivating and powerful blues, kraut, and jazz elements. This album also stressed a second aspect of Xhol's musical universe: experimental Hammond organ minimalism and psych/folk interludes. This last album is nearer to Krautrock's mesmerizing musical themes, more twisted, spacey and devoted to avant-garde.

Xhol’s influence on German progressive music and on the adepts of free rock music in general is undeniable.^{[citation needed]} The innerworkings of the band served as a model for the entire German music scene.^{[citation needed]} They were thought of as the German equivalent of the Grateful Dead. Whenever they played, acid heads and stoners would show up from miles around. They lived communally and booked their own gigs, made their own posters and were generally autonomous.