Siloah -

Siloah was a German ethno-folk/psych band that self-issued a 1971 eponymous album, followed by the 1972 title Sukram Gurk on small-press German Blues and Underground.

Members: Heinrich Stricker, Manuela Freifrau Von Perfall, Thom Argauer, Wolfgang Görner

Background

Siloah formed in Munich in 1970 when guitarist Thom Argauer and vocalist Heinrich “Tiny” Stricker assembled a group after a summer in Formentera. Argauer played beforehand with schoolmate Chris Karrer in Kempten’s Cambodunum Oldtimers and Kambudu Rock Gang. Stricker recited poems over a rock rhythm section at the 1968 Beat & Lyrik event in Dillingen. He returned from a South Asian trip with flutes and a shenai and shared Argauer’s interest in Indian music.

In early 1970, Stricker met Argauer through a mutual friend at an Upper Bavarian boarding school. The pair met Swiss drummer Guido “Pipo” Baumann in Formentera, who joined their new Munich-based project that autumn, when Argauer’s partner, percussionist Manuela von Perfall, joined on congas. Bassist Wolfgang Görner, an engineer whose apartment housed Argauer and von Perfall, became part of the regular group. Musicians from the Baumstraße commune also joined their sessions.

Argauer insisted on rehearsals and arrangements, while von Perfall favored spontaneous ensemble playing. The group planned a privately pressed LP and gathered with a Revox tape recorder just after Christmas 1970 in a disused office building in Kempten.

Discography:

Siloah (1971)
Sukram Gurk (1972)

Sources

Heinrich “Tiny” Stricker, interview (2019). Firsthand account of the meeting, Formentera trip, personnel, musical interests, and Kempten session. (It’s Psychedelic Baby)
Manuela von Perfall, interview with Sabine Reithmaier (2018). Firsthand account of Argauer’s earlier groups, the rehearsals, private recording plan, and Revox equipment. (Süddeutsche Zeitung)
Michael Bremmer, profile of Stricker (2012). Account of the Dillingen performance and Stricker’s travels. (Süddeutsche Zeitung)