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wEirD, A Different Kind of Normal, (NH011)
Neu Harmony/ Synth Music Direct
PO Box 592, Sheffield, S35 0FE, UK
Tel: 0114 2864 889
Fax: 0114 2864 890
email: david@neuharm.demon.co.uk
Website: http://www.neuharm.demon.co.uk/
Weird are a pretty aptly named duo (Baron De Weird and Count Von Veird,
according to the booklet) who specialize in that spacey
electronic/ambient/psychedelic/krautrock (whew!) sound which really needs a
more precise name. Their CD is no groundbreaker, but is magnificent in
accomplishing what it sets out to accomplish. The first track, "Klaus to the
Edge" is a not-too-subtly disguised tribute to ambient pioneer Klaus Schulze,
and is actually as good as some of Schulz's top-tier material. Mysterious
keyboard sequences and cautious ambient pads provide ample room for emotive
guitar and synth explorations. A very well-constructed piece which arrives
smoothly at an ethereal climax and back down before its conclusion. The next
track, "Shaltzeit Nachtweit" opens with a breathtaking flute choir before
settling into a dreamy guitar-led atmosphere. "9VFE10M" shows them branching
out into a darker and more mournful Tangerine Dream (circa "Phaedra") type
sound which is slowly merged with an almost techno-like percussion groove.
Again a masterpiece of celestial electronics. "Tiefenfluss" marks the
exploration of even darker recesses of the electronic realm, with an
overwhelming sadness which is expertly transformed into a wonderfully
mysterious sequencer frenzy. "Manuel Gearchange (La RD Remix)" (probably a
reference to the Ash Ra Tempel founder and guitarist) is one of the lesser
pieces, concentrating too much on the lead guitar and sacrificing some of the
interesting keyboard/sequencer work found on every other cut. Still not too
shabby, just sub-par.
Next is the 25+ minute title track, which contains just about every mood
previously put forth on the album plus some. An obvious highlight a genre
masterpiece. The last track, "Ausklang" brings in two guests, Mark English
and Idur Van Hansequenzen on unspecified instruments, and has the most cold,
vacuous, and mysterious sound of any piece on the album. Finally out of the
darkness enters piano and planet-sized synth textures. Beautiful piece.
Yeah, if you haven't guessed, I've thoroughly enjoyed this album and heartily
recommend it to those who like this kind of sound. If you think all of those
"boring ambient pieces" sound the same, this won't change your mind,
probably, but if you dig them, this album probably won't let you down.
-Jon Dharma Murphree
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