SYNTHESIST

Harald Grosskopf could tell some stories. He has been a part of so many bands over the years. And when we're talking about the world of krautrock/electronics, you know there were a lot of characters. He is a drummer/synth player but usually a drummer first and foremost on most of the albums he has appeared on. He was the drummer for the SCORPIONS in 1967 long before they were releasing songs like "Loving You Sunday Morning" or "The Zoo". Harald had a great musical partnership with Klause Schulze over the years. He was in ASH RA TEMPEL, WALLENSTEIN, ASHRA, WALTER WEGMULLER, THE COSMIC JOKERS and YOU.

YOU released their debut "Electric Day" in 1979 the year before Harald's debut "Synthesist". I mention that because in the liner notes for "Synthesist" Harald relates how he does pretty much everything here like the composing and arranging and playing... "except electric strings and second solo voice on "Synthesist" and all space sounds which are played by Udo Hanten." And Udo was playing electronics on that YOU debut, being part of that band with Harald. And I like that album.

Far from a perfect album this one, and it does have some variety which doesn't always work for me like that title track and "Transcendental Overdrive" where we get a light melodic sound with high pitched synths. Still, they provide a contrast to some of the dark soundscapes featured here like "B. Aldrian" and "Trauma" two of my favourites. "Trauma" is incredible considering the title of it. I'd also mention "So Weit, So Gut" the opener along with "1847-Earth" and the closer "Tai Ki" as favourites.

Not the best of the best or anything like that, but I really enjoy this one. Worth the 4 stars.