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

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"Astro Know me Domina"

After a number of albums that were easier on the ears, chapter X returns to the unobtrusive ambient experiments of chapters I and II. It brings music that is never uninteresting but hardly indispensable, and never reaches the cosmic levels of imagination that the pioneering albums from Schulze, TD, Cluster and others reached in the early 70's.

After 20 minute of sonic tapestries, Part III introduces mesmerizing beats with an almost tuneless rhythmic sequence. Great work, but the idea is dropped too soon. Part IV picks up the rhythm again but this time more melodious sequences and warm strings prevail. Part V is one of the highlights on the album: abstract glassy synths, slowly progressing minor chords and eerie sounds. There's no pulse, barely melody, only a desolate moon desert put to music. Part VI adds heavily processed moogs, almost sounding like guitars. If the previous 40 minutes made you wonder if Schulze was present at all during this recording, the last piece proves he was there. Actually, also part IV has a clear Schulze stamp.

This album was supposed to be the last in a series of 10 albums, but in 2008 another episode was added. I'm quite sure it will not be the end of it. The Dark Side Of The Moog offers unique and wonderful moments of electronic music that are quite different from both Namlook's and Schulze's concurrent works. It's a project that sits at a fringe of contemporary dance music but it is too experimental to reach mass appeal. Luckily, it rarely indulges into elitist tendencies and there's always plenty to relish.

The long partnership between Klaus and Pete is now a bit over ten years old; and it resulted in as many albums (ten). I have to admit that this tenth one; instead of being a milestone is quite a second-rate one. It is especially true during the first half.

Extremely minimalist and boring during the first three movements, both men reorganized their minds for "Astro Know Me Domina Part 4" which is just superb. Just like in the good old days. This spacey song is seriously TD oriented and it is a jewel of electronic soundscapes: brilliant, really. What a relief!

The same good feeling prevails for the atmospheric and cold "Part 5". It is another classic by all means. We are literally bombarded into the early seventies and all its fascinating extravaganzas. What a nice moment!

Fortunately, the second half of this album is much better than its start. The closing number is another winner and should please any KS or TD fan. The last three songs are quite remarkable and balance this album into the good territories.

Three stars.