(September 2009) Cluster came into being in 1968 and would go from strength to strength
following their association with English musician Brian Eno.
This collaborative album delves back to the archives of 1977; the work
originally being released on Sky at this time. Possibly one of the most
significant landmarks to reference the explosion of German electronic music,
the recording sessions took place with the notable virtuoso Conny Plank at his
studio in Cologne. The American Gyroscope label would later reissue Cluster &
Eno on CD in 1996, before a further reissue emerged from the San Francisco
based Water label in 2005.
Brian Eno is of course is renown for his distinctive flair for all things
ambient, however the work also features Asmus Tiechens on synths as well as Can
bassist Holer Czuka. It’s an enigmatic melting pot of ornately crafted
instrumentals, equating to a concept album which defines a striking example of
electronic music staking out the territory on which future followers would grow
their crops.
“Ho Renomo” and “Schone Hande” are free spirited tracks with some understated
additions of simple, yet hugely effective instrumentation, introducing an
abstract intellect. “Mit Simaen” sees dark shadows become encapsulated in
light while dancing across the walls – each key movement is defined with a
piano line played on the higher register. The motions become distinctly
engaged with “Selange” which proves itself as the perfect coda to “Mit Simaen.”
In the main, the work flows without restriction, meandering in the most
carefree manner and evolving gently before picking up pace prior to “One” – a
striking centre piece. “One” exposes some dense undergrowth – foliage that PIL
must have surely caught scent of when writing “Death Disco.” While the
majority of compositions remain gentle and serene this takes bold steps,
spreading its psychedelic eastern fragrance with sounds crafted by sitar, tabla
and tamboura. An extended portion of sensual and tribal atmospherics.
“Fur Luise” returns to more traditional roots with its own distinctive
atmosphere created by a naked piano ostinato. It’s an empty place in which to
exorcise dark embedded thoughts – the perfect resolve to this pensive dream
piece.
On the whole, this work is a must for anyone who wishes to catch sight of
where it all began.
Cluster & Eno is out now on Sky. [Purchase / Listen
]
