FAUST IS LAST

First of all I need to point out I'm not a member of the Faust fanclub. In fact, Faust is nearly the only renowned Krautrock act that I have yet to fall for. Specialists point to live and radio registration instead of the regular 70's album. Maybe that might be an option for me.

As to this 2010 release, it's quite a different beast from the Faust I remember from the 70's. This work sounds a lot darker, noisier and a whole lot less goofy. The instrumental tracks are in the majority and they form a cohesive cosmic experience, varying between abrasive noise-rock, cranky dub and industrial pieces and chillingly bleak guitar and sample experimentation. There are also a couple of vocals but they don't add much and can even be distracting. They certainly made this a much too long album.

From the 90 minutes presented here you could easily compile an excellent 45 minutes of experimental and intriguing music, bordering on noise but with enough musicality to please fans of the early 70's free-jazz based cosmic Krautrock psychedelia (quite a mouthful there... just think Cosmic Jokers). But as a total album experience it misses its mark and the second disc rather disappoints. 3.5 stars, 3 sounds unfairly low given the wealth of material here.