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

"Set the Controls for the Heart of the Mother"

After four years of moog silence due to Schulze's health problems, Namlook and Schulze came back with one of the more consistent album in the series. Over the course of the years, the project evolved from very hermetic ambient soundscapes into more melodiously attractive works.

Part 1 is a 20 minute sonic exploration that revolves around three repeated jazz chords on a synth vibe-sample. As usual, it doesn't offer quick thrills, it's slow, minimal and repetitive. Depending on your taste that means either great mood music or 20 minutes of monotonous frills. Around minute 15, Namlook makes one of his typical Tangerine Dream quotes by adding a sequence that is very reminiscent of TD's early 80's material.

The Tangerine Dream vibe continues on Part 2, a collage of unearthly sounds similar to the intros of many extended TD tracks. Part 3 continues around the chords of the opening part but develops into a warm slow sequence right out of the heydays of 70's electronics. After a good minute of wind sounds, we're back with the mellow sequences of Part 5 and Part 6. A slow and distant moog solo winds around minimal percussion and sparse bass lines.

3.5 stars. A good reflective album, better then just fan material, not compulsive enough for 4 stars.

After the weak eighth volume of the series, dear Klaus (and his partner in the project Pete Namlook) had some debt towards their fans. And to be honest, this bunch of "Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Mother" are significantly better.

This is very true while one is listening to the superb (and long) opening act of this DSOTMoog. Almost twenty minutes of pure prog electronic heaven like in the good old days of the great man. Ambient magic, gorgeous synths harmony. At times, some key notes remind me of the intro of "Child In Time". Some sort of borrowing what has already been borrowed. But with style and skills. A good number indeed; but probably too long.

After a fine and transition with the second part, we are fully brought back into the fine TD years. A superb travel back into time. At least, I feel so, even if there is nothing new under the sun here. Just a fine moment of music which reminds me of my teens?You can call this nostalgia!

This episode of the saga is quite in line with most of the other ones; which means that it is quite an enjoyable record, not memorable of course but it a definite improvement when compared to its predecessor. The closing "Part VI" is quite vibrant and moving in my ears. One of my fave.

Three stars.