IRRLICHT

This is the first solo album from Klause Schulze after leaving TANGERINE DREAM where he performed as a drummer on the "Electronic Meditation" record. Klause obviously had different aspirations then simply sitting behind a drum kit. He owned an organ that he modified so it wouldn't sound like a normal one. The amplifier he owned was broken so he had to hotwired it to make it work. It lasted only for this recording. He also owned a cassette recorder with a cheap microphone, which he used to record an orchestra rehearsing (with their permission) so he could then process their music through a series of filters in order that it would sound "strange". No synths were used on this album as Klause did not own one yet. He did though play some guitar, zither, percussion and use an echo machine.

Some wouldn't even call this music, after all there is no melody only soundscapes that float along slowly as they change, evolve, pulse, echo and hum. I do find this interesting though, especially when he brings the organ into play around the 10 minute mark of the first track. It's even louder after 15 minutes as the soundscape becomes haunting. For me the first track is the best one, and it's interesting listening to the orchestral sounds early that have been processed to death. Haha. The second song is divided into two sections. The first part "Energy Rise" features loud noises that come and go then build. While part two "Energy Collapses" is where it turns spacey. The final track is very spacey throughout and at times haunting.

If your a fan of the Electronic-Prog genre, then this really is a must have, and would easily be 4 stars for you i'm sure. I can appreciate it but find it difficult to enjoy all the way through. Having said that I know Klause is a true pioneer of this genre, and that makes this his first album very important. For me 3.5 stars. The cover art is pretty incredible too.