MØTRIK

Krautrock lives! Yeah! Still! Portland's Møtrik deliver a paramount example when trying to prove that. They are releasing music since 2014, but the new 'Cosmic Electrics' are implementing one hell of an exemplar at least. Four chaps, Erik Golts, Lee Ritter, Dave Fulton and Cord Amato, are present here. While featuring leanings to the likes of Neu!, Harmonia, Can for example, the concept is obviously rooted in the hindsight of the 1970's. But just like it is concerning some brothers in spirit this never ever sounds covered in dust, or like new wine in old skins anyhow. What they have borrowed of course is the significant hypnotic beat, supplied by Ritter's propulsive drumming and the minimalistic repetitive bass strokes. That's mandatory, related to this genre. Playful guitars and a huge arsenal of keyboard instruments are giving the space rock counterpart somehow. And above all you'll win if you are able to offer a convincing compositional framework.

And so I would say on this occasion concept and improvisational attitude are cheering each other in a nearly perfect manner. Vocals are rarely incorporated, assigned with slight effects, compatible, not a foreign matter at all. The Space Elevator will catapult the four astronauts into a previously unattainable sphere. This extended track could be seen as the album's centerpiece definitely. The keyboard intro alone must be nominated for a gold medal. And then an enourmous dynamic groove comes in. With high speed they are building peerless instrumental walls on the rise. When arriving the orbit soaring guitars and synths are managing the gliding phase later on. That is simply an amazing execution! Finally the electronic Sonik Rug nicely accompanies the landing phase back to earth with concentration and relaxation. Do not miss that enchanting album. 4.5 stars deserved.