v.c.u. (we see you)

• Format: CD, album reissue, expanded edition, stereo
• Bonus Material: Four previously unreleased recordings
• Packaging: Includes a 32-page colour booklet with band history, photographs and discographical information

Lily were formed in Frankfurt under the name Monsun before adopting their new identity when they secured a contract with Bellaphon’s progressive Bacillus imprint. Their only album, V.C.U. (We See You), was recorded in 1973 and originally issued in a small pressing that subsequently became highly collectible.

The group created a tough and unconventional mixture of progressive rock, psychedelia, blues and jazz-influenced improvisation. Rather than relying heavily on keyboards, Lily built their sound around two contrasting electric guitars, prominent saxophone, a powerful rhythm section and occasional synthesizer and Mellotron textures.

“In Those Times” opens the album with an extended sequence of guitar and saxophone exchanges, moving between carefully arranged themes and freer instrumental passages. “Which Is This” continues the intricate progressive approach, while “Pinky Pigs” introduces a rougher blues-rock rhythm and a more psychedelic atmosphere.

“Doctor Martin” combines echoing guitar with dramatic changes of pace, and “I’m Lying On My Belly” includes the experimental section “Tango Atonale.” The original album closes with the lengthy “Eyes Look From The Mount Of Flash,” where saxophone, twin guitars and synthesizers create the record’s most expansive and atmospheric performance.

This Garden of Delights edition adds four long recordings unavailable on the original LP. “Chemical New York” and “Adlerbar” emphasise the group’s blues-rock foundations, while “Catch Me” develops through extended guitar and saxophone improvisation. The sixteen-minute “The Wanderer” concludes the CD with a wide-ranging performance that moves between progressive structure, heavy psychedelia and open instrumental interplay.

Track Listing

1. In Those Times – 9:12
2. Which Is This – 4:25
3. Pinky Pigs – 6:35
4. Doctor Martin – 4:37
5. I’m Lying On My Belly (Including “Tango Atonale”) – 5:57
6. Eyes Look From The Mount Of Flash – 9:42
7. Chemical New York – 8:12 – bonus track
8. Adlerbar – 5:41 – bonus track
9. Catch Me – 8:10 – bonus track
10. The Wanderer – 16:28 – bonus track