METRONIC UNDERGROUND

Metronic Underground biography
Metronic Underground were a short-lived German progressive electronic duo responsible for a single LP in the early 1980s, formed by Bonn multi-instrumentalists Thomas Wulke and Gernot P. Schilling. Metronic Underground's music is a reliable example of turn-of-the-decade post-Berlin School similar to Ashra and Wavemaker, receiving critical comparisons to late-1970s works by Klaus Schulze and Edgar Froese, as well as fellow obscure synth act Velvet Universe and more modern indie electronica like the Notwist.

The pair's self-produced album, Illusion, was released in 1981 in a limited edition of 200 (a copy of which likely fell into the hands of one of the rabid record collectors in Stereolab). The LP consisted of kosmische guitars both electric and acoustic dancing with bright synth pads and disciplined, head-nodding sequencer rhythms, mostly melodic and reflective (except for industrial interlude "Eure Friedenspolitik") and mostly instrumental (except for the trio of tracks closing Side B).

Later in the 1980s, Wulke formed a new group - simply named Metronic - leaving prog behind for a more darkwave/synth-pop-oriented sound.


- Gordy, June 2024