NEW AGE OF EARTH

Ashra's first album on 'Virgin' relies more on synthesisers than guitars. A very colourful and textured recording from '77 which will remind listeners of Klaus Schulze, but in a more serene setting.

Listening to it now in 2011, with a cold early March sun outdoors, trying desperately to kick start Spring is the perfect occasion to give this a whirl.

I always find it strange how Ashra went SO electronica after leaving Ash Ra Tempel. In fact I much prefer this to the old Kraut band of the early 70's. Electronic Berlin School fans take note of this one. Don't let it slip under your radar. If you do you're letting a little gem fall through your fingers.

Needless to say that being on 'Virgin' means that the production values are superb. I'm quite sure there's some VCS 3's and Arp's in there somewhere, but the inadequate sleeve notes don't give much away.

If you like 'Timewind', 'Oxygene' and 'Rainbow Dome Music' you'll love this. Too active to be called ambient - but at points it's bordering on it.

A beautiful instrumental album which should be listened to late at night when you're trying to fall asleep but are frustratingly wide awake. Excellent.