DELUXE

I was first very impatient to listen to this album. Unfortunately after several listenings I've found a certain deception. "Deluxe" is claimed to be Harmonia's absolutely best effort, well, what can I say? I mainly see it as a vague collection of electronic pre-ambient collages, including a poor pop, commercial orientation into it. The main title is an energic but "cheap" electronic manifestation with simplistic melodies and vocals. "Walky takly" is a cohesive ambient electronic "trip" with an obsessional rhythm and some gentle, floating electric guitar parts made by Michael Rother. This composition has a nice "evasion" felt that can remindS some Rother's materials in solo. The synth parts are terribly "kitsch" and sounds near to Roedelius' minimal-electronic works in solo. "Monza" is the rockiest tune of the album, mixing arch guitar sounds to the machines. Not bad. "Notre Dame" is a poor melodic electro attempt. "Gollum" is a typical ambient, floating piece with spacious synth lines and enchanting, delicate atmospheres. A rather sunny and aestival minimal-abstract electronic work...the atmosphere tends to be pleasant, easy to digest after all. In the spirit I prefer by far the weird, textural & dark improvised imagery of "musik von". A nice and recommended listening for fans of Eno & Cluster collective work.