AIR

The task of working your way through Pete Namlook's discography should not be underestimated. Co-operations with Schulze and other space-troopers included, the man released over a hundred albums in less then 15 years, ranging from hermetic minimal ambient to hardcore techno.

His first album Air is a gorgeous electronic album boasting plenty of lush sonic textures and enough melody to catch your attention. Wind is a tough start though, very sparse, some eerie ambient drones with suggestive kraut guitar strumming. It sets the mood perfectly but won't win over people that need melody. 1st Impression should fulfil that need. It continues the drone of the opener but adds a subtle bit of synth melodies and suggestive rhythm. Breeze is a scary interlude into the first highlight Je Suis Triste et Seul Ici, a track with a soft industrial feel and sampled female vocals and spoken word. Tons of atmosphere again. Spiritual Invocation gives ample proof of Namlook's affection with ambient peers like Schulze, Eno and even Rober Fripp, it's 3 minutes of beautiful glassy sounds and chilling chords.

After a good 20 minutes, Arc is the first piece with sequencers and rhythm. It combines the organic feel of Schulze and Ashra with Tangerine Dream's sound of the album Tangram. It's a slowly brooding track that takes its time to develop, for minutes on end Namlook builds up an unnerving tension that doesn't get resolved till over halfway, when a subtle 4/4 beat comes in and the soundscape keeps growing and swelling. Man, play this loud! Mystical Appearance is 3 minutes of sonic relief before the next two 10 minute pieces. Chaque Ligne has a attractive rhythmic pulse and dazzling layers of synths. Namlook proves himself very adequate in taking the best of both Tangerine Dream and Klaus Schulze. Lost In Passion adds another important element in Namlook's music, namely Arabian influences. The track ends in a catatonic reprise of the album's main themes. Very mesmerizing.

On Air, Namlook defines ambient music as more then just wallpaper noise; it takes a slow start but turns into a highly compelling listen. Not just for all fans of progressive electronic like Schulze and Tangerine Dream, but also, even though it hardly contains any beats, for anyone interested in smart techno like Underworld, Orbital or The Orb. 4.5 stars.