POSTHUMAN

4.5 stars. I feel that this duo are only getting better. I reviewed their two releases from 2020 both solid 4 star albums where the electronics dominates but I love that we get real drums, guitar, bass, trumpet, keys and more. They have guests come in adding their talents on many of these instruments. So I feel "PostHuman" beats the two 2020 releases as they seem to get more melodic and less experimental although there is plenty of the latter. Less melancholic as well. I just feel there are way more highs on this one. And while they don't offer a track that is even 4 minutes long these 16 songs blend into each other in fact the next song usually is playing before my player shows it moving to the next track. A seamless piece that recreates that electronic based Krautrock of the late 60's and early 70's and yet I've noticed right from "Ohms" to "Shadow Forms" to "PostHuman" that they do not sound derivative at all.

I want to talk about the three tracks that were love at first listen. "Glass" just sounds amazing when the sequencers join the opening experimental soundscape. This is intense. Drums a minute in as I'm just bobbing along. Guitar joins in next as they are killing it here. Electronics over top and what sounds like mellotron. "Scheinwelt" one of a few German titles is right there with "Glass" with how incredible it sounds. Urgent is the word and driving with those dark sounds with drums, guitar, bass and electronics leading the way. It's building after 1 1/2 minutes. Great track! "Healing Rods" again clicked with me right away but it's not as good as the first two in my opinion. Spacey winds are joined by acoustic guitar then electronic beats and drums before a minute. This just seems to get fuller as it plays out.

I also really enjoyed the closer "Glaserner Mensch" for the depth and darkness. Experimental with trumpet expressions, pretty cool. "Divided Light" appeals to me for what sounds like vibes although they echo so... but drums and experimental sounds. Really good. "Elements Of Matter" is catchy and mid paced with bass, drums, experimental sounds and atmosphere. "Steckdose" is another highlight and I like the way this changes as it plays out. The tempo shifts too and we get some heaviness and a calm. I'm not as big on the opener "Double Slit" and "X Zeit" although they are channeling NEU! with those two very catchy and almost danceable tunes. The NEU! connection helps me to appreciate these two. I had to smile at "Incandescent Sun" because of "Lightbulb Sun" and there's actually a FLOYD vibe there.

Man I've enjoyed this band so much and the electronics that I've added a half dozen Electronic albums to listen to this Summer which is supposed to be my Psychedelic Summer.