SONNEMOND

Oh - please can somebody tell me where they get their inspirations from? This is another self-produced brimful album with jams provided by German WELTRAUM astronauts. They have all the time in the world and let the music flow - no stress please! Something controversial of course - you have to get involved with this approach - and then it's awesome. Otherwise you should try something else. No problem though - the band members know that they produce music for special aficionados only.

Now surprisingly we have one (short) song more on this release than listed on the cover - a little bonus so to say. Instead of acting with dual guitars Michael Valderas appears with many synthesizer contributions this time. This intensifies the spacey character of the songs and brings more diversity. The Didgeridoo is present already - but lesser dominant than on the first official album 'Magnolia' for example. All in all the ethno component is not that elementary in 2006 compared to the following albums.

The opening track Remember convinces immediately - the hypnotic deep tones by synth, bass and Didgeridoo when the song evolves to something grooving more and more - repetitive echoed guitar and playful drums on top of it. Chinese Garden Flower is laid back as no other ... well - except the very busy drums. This may sound contradictory - but surprisingly it works and they are able to form a wonderful mood here - hard to describe.

River And Tides comes with significant krautrock leanings - something weird because provided with many twists and turns. Here we have repetitive echoed guitar reminiscent to 'Kosmische Musik' heroes and later they are leaving the relaxed behaviour with a heavy bass and propulsive synths. Turkey On Dope shows whacked-out voice samples then backed by driving drums.

The album's highlight is the closing extended Subcultural Congress On Uranus - tension-filled, very playful and emotional, especially for the synthesizer parts - really amazing. I'm still wondering how they manage to create such music - improvisations without overdubs - it must be a very special insight/musical sense.

If you're hooked on groovy and trippy space jams you should contact the band by all means. Don't miss that! They can offer you hours of interesting recordings - promised! If I ever should emphasize one musician/instrument for this album ... it's Denniz Gockel's drum work which is really impressing ... go for it!