PETE NAMLOOK & K. SCHULZE: THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOOG

The first album in the ongoing cooperation between the German sonic wizards Klaus Schulze and Pete Namlook is a difficult listen that takes its time to get going. Pete Namlook is a very versatile electronic artist with a strong tendency towards ambient music, a kind of electronic music that mostly limits itself to slowly weaving chords of sound as its means of expression. Both melody and rhythm are mostly given up in favour of texture and atmosphere.

It's a methodology similar to Schulze's first albums and kraut experimentations, the result is never equally overwhelming though. But this project goes far beyond the austere limitations of ambient music. Both Schulze and Namlook add mesmerizing touches of melody, moog soloing and layers of lush analogue sounds. Schulze hadn't used those for almost 15 years, but Pete Namlook gave him a strong impulse to return to the warmth of the 70's instruments.

This album is one continuous piece of music that is divided into 10 sections of exactly 5 minutes each, which is helpful if you want to proceed immediately to the more accessible sections at the end. The first half hour should not be ignored though. The atmosphere is very dark and spooky and both artists are masters in balancing their hermetic ambience with just the right amount of rhythm and melody. Part III - IV has such a moment with a recognizable moog solo contribution from Schulze. Namlook's rhythmical qualities can be enjoyed in short sections scattered throughout the album and add an ambient techno flavour to this project. It's something that won't sit well with all Schulze fans but I believe it really completes his shortcomings in that particular area.

Approach with caution, this first instalment is a slow and dense album that might keep its charms sealed tight for you forever. It also lacks real high points that adorn other albums in this series. 2.5 stars.

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