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

Klaus Schulze called it "psychedelic brunch", but this is quite a proper dinner. The fifth episode of the "Dark Side Of The Moog" series is opened by Robert Moog, the inventor of the first commercial synth who introduces the album with a short speech of 14 seconds, then we are projected back to the Virgin period of Tangerine Dream.

Strange to say, as Klaus Schulze left the band just after the debut album, but this is how most of the tracks sound to these ears. It's not Phaedra nor Ricochet, but that's the mood, and its pleasant enough. I think the main difference with TD is in the absence of squared waves, thtat were a sort of trademark for Edgar Froese.

But there are also two exceptions:

Part 5 lasts 16 minutes and is based on a repeated sequence of tuned toms. I don't know if real toms or made by a sequencer. I like thinking that Klaus Schulze has remebered to be a drummer. The soundscape is quiet and the sounds comning and going compose mainly major chords. Some layers are added, other disappear but the track remains fluid and mesmerizing.

The other exception is Part 7. About 8 minutes of good space Rock in the vein of Zeit (to remain in the TD zone). I still have to approach the following volumes of this serie, but up to now this is the one I've liked the most. About 1 hour of relaxing soundscapes.

Disclaimer: the relation with Pink Floyd is just German humour.