Primal Forms is quite a propulsive and beautifully elaborated electronic synthedelica effort that will ravish listeners of adventurous music with dancing, then hallucinogenic qualities. The synergy between the two musicians works like magic and with a clear easiness.
A refreshing creative impulse to vintage analog electronic devices
Never heard about this project before, but as an avid listener/follower of the excellent Umor Rex‘s musical production, I wanted to give it a try. I must say I did right because this German duo embraces, in a very cool and inspiring way, the revival of Cosmic-electronic music in the pure tradition institutionalized by pioneering 70s sound artists such as Paul Baumann or Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream), Bernd Kistenmacher, Mario Schönwalder, Software, Cosmic Hoffmann, Michael Hoenig et al, and a few materials reissued by the key label Bureau B.
What makes this duo original and distinctive is that the two musicians, Ulf Schütte and Niklas Dommaschk, are capable of giving a second breath and a refreshing creative impulse to vintage analog electronic devices (notably modular synth technologies), thanks to hyper-efficient and trance-inducing minimal electronic pieces. Some tracks and their concise mechanical rhythms based on sequencers are reminiscent of a few synth-pop pioneering works. Globally, the compositions deliver an electro-pop ambient dimension enhanced by almost minimal-techno grooves and downtempo beats.
Lysergic moments made of obsessional circular motifs and electronic oscillations are quite perceptible in the superb “Focus.” Some refined neo-psychedelic mantras made of vibrant droney chords, repetitive patterns, and melodious counterpoints will really transport the listener to another dimension. The compositions offer a lot of surprises, strangely experimental moments, and a blooming sense of electro-pop music dominated by catchy melodies.
In a way, it operates a nice and welcoming synthesis between abstract synth experimentalism and more pulsating, groovy electronica. The album closes with the spacious, inter-sidereal, mellow, elastic, melodious-tinged, and utterly captivating “Umbra-Mechanik,” which closes the album in a brilliant manner.
All in all, Primal Forms is quite a propulsive and beautifully elaborated electronic synthedelica effort that will ravish listeners of adventurous music with dancing, then hallucinogenic qualities. The synergy between the two musicians works like magic and with a clear easiness. Quite recommended for fans of neo-space music with a Berlin-style-oriented sound such as Zombi, Sankt Otten, Emeralds… but also more classical acts of the genre like Harmonia, Conrad Schnitzler, or Radio Massacre International. The album is delivered in a beautiful vinyl format, seconded by a digital version.
Primal Forms is available on Umor Rex. [Bandcamp]
