IN DEN GÄRTEN PHARAOS

I really have to give this one a 5 star rating - this is the best album I have the pleasure of experiencing from Florian Fricke's POPOL VUH (from the several records of theirs I own). This is the second (and last) 'Electronic' outing Florian undertook ; it is reputed that one unfortunate day he sustained an electrical shock off his big Moog Synthesizer and 'went all acoustic' thereafter. True or not, it seems like a possibility for such a sensitive and thoughtful individual. 'In Den Garten Pharaos' features 2 side-long pieces, the seventeen and a half minute title song, and the near twenty minute 'Vuh'. Besides Fricke himself (playing Moog Synth, Fender Rhodes, Pipe Organ and Cymbals), he is joined by Holger Trulsch, manning traditional African and Turkish Percussion instruments, creating compositions which blend technological and traditional ideals which result in a most intoxicating outcome. The title piece starts out with spooky Moog noises backed with the sound of gently rippling water. After a few minutes, the sound evolves into a more typically experimental section with twittering Synths and hand percussion. Suffice to say that it continues for quite a while, but it sets a rather mystical atmosphere. The final section features some beautiful Rhodes E- Piano tinkling over the percussive work. I've always found this last movement ever so mesmerising. 'Vuh' is the more 'difficult' half of the album. The core sound of this piece is a Pipe Organ. Cymbals randomly splash about in the background, and the subtle mix of the Moog gives off an almost choral-like chant in the distance. It actually sounds quite grand. There aren't many notable changes as the song progresses, but the intensity of it's soundscape holds steadfast throughout its entire duration. Another one of my top Krautrock albums.