FUEHLER

This obscure album was released in 1997, at the dawn of Post / Math Rock scene, by a German one-off trio FUEHLER obviously inspired by punk, indie, or grunge scenes. In general they launch crazy, noisy, fuzzy sounds mainly by Christian's guitar play, and every single tune has a definite flow of complicated rhythmic masses and colourful melodic lines, that sound not only calculated but also improvised. However, we easily guess their sound basis can be drenched in Seattle-oriented brilliant alternative rock essence. Powerful, energetic musical appearance and intriguingly sarcastic movements are pretty innovative as their characteristic. On the contrary, their composition or each track's formation is not so condensed really. Of course, repetitive phrases filled with dissonant components and sharp-edged vibes are very cool for the late 1990s and we can call them progressive enough, let me say.

The topnote "Harry" is typical as above mentioned ... superb keen guitar shouts, tight drumming, fuzzy bass distortion drive us into comfort without any suspicion. In the middle part quiet but slightly weird sound tension should remind us something challenging. Melody lines are simple indeed, but we can hear somewhat kaleidoscopic development all over the track. "I'm Moment" is another fascination. Such a short song has plenty of dramatic hard rock elements and clear junctions to indie scene. Crazy sticky impression kicks us out through the following "Bett". "Heimat", one of my favourite stuffs, is kinda blend of calmness and madness. Especially mad attacks sound dissenting and improvisational. Much more grungey, garagey one is "Interkopf", along with heavy streaming instrumental chases tinged with unique dissonance. Oh "Nicht Richtig" says 'not right' in English. No right sound provision flooded with psychic antipop agents notifies us of another possibility in the world. Amazing is one of the most stabilized tracks "Jesus". Tempted to the song's polarity they provide, that we can hear texture of mystery and solemnity. Another shortest opus full of unstable sound situation is "Stuhl". Just like a 'chair' with three feet? Sorta punky atmosphere can be felt around the title. Also crazy good is their tight instrumental constitution in "Tisch", a coolness. The aftertaste "Am Werk" fully gives us floating grooves and dreamy vibes. This epilogue reminds us of the similarity to the supergroup temple Of The Dog or Soundgarden. Sadly this work is the last for them, who are not at work but have been disbanded already

A good album for one of forerunners in Post / Math scene indeed, but cannot be recommended as an authentic Post Rock stuff. I love this album personally, though.