Posthumous releases are a curious thing, and Andreas Gehm has already had a handful. The Worst of Andreas Gehm is more than just a release, it’s a tribute to a man who made some cracking music and came sad end, a tribute from the labels and friends he worked with, the completing of a promise.
Generally, when I write about an artist I look back over past things I’ve done. Reviews. Profiles. Honorable mentions. After his sudden passing last year, I now look back over what I had written about Andreas Gehm in a different light.
The Cologne man was beyond prolific and doled out bitter as cud acid under a plethora of nom de plumes. One label, among many, which had a very close relationship with the 303 tyrant was Solar One Music. A 2LP had been in the pipeline and, fittingly, the imprint has stayed true to its word and pressed it in remembrance of its creator.
The Worst of Andreas Gehm brings together ten tracks, twelve on the CD, from a spread of pseudonyms. Bunker and Panzerkreuz were a main stomping ground of the Elec Pt 1 alias, sounds are gashed and gnarled as the mechanics of house were let rust in the rain before being cranked back into action. And that’s what’s on offer here. Bitterness and frustration are given a harsh voice. Beats pierce and samples circle in the haunted “MooNoo” while “Fuckin’ Face” is a candid and curt attack. Track titles, “Physical Pain” taken from The Minister´s Paranoia on Planet X for example, tell of the angst and anger in this talented musician’s life. And much of this compilation is pain streaked. Bass lines gnaw and growl in “I’m Not A Freak”, cold spoken words creating a barrier between artist and audience.
Three tracks are offered under his own name, two from outings on Jamal Moss’ Mathematics and Cosmic Club. Despite being mellower than their companions, there still remains an undercurrent of anxiety. “I Just Want To Be Free” comes from the traditions of Chicago, strings soaring against a tightening mantra. “My So Called Robot Life Part 2” shows another side of his sound, a soulful slow burning track with some brawn whilst “Matinee” is playful and tongue in cheek.
Posthumous releases are a curious thing, and Andreas Gehm has already had a handful. The Worst of Andreas Gehm is more than just a release, it’s a tribute to a man who made some cracking music and came sad end, a tribute from the labels and friends he worked with, the completing of a promise.
The end notes on the 2LP sum up the sentiments of fans and fellow musicians alike. RIP Acid King. This tortured King may be no longer with us, but his tormented music will live on and be enjoyed for years to come.
The Worst Of Andreas Gehm is available on Solar One Music.
