ASH RA TEMPEL

One of two early Ash Ra Tempel albums to feature ex-Tangerine Dream drummer Klaus Schulze(who would, of course, go on to become one of the foremost innovators of the burgeoning electronic music scene) this debut release from 1971 set out the Manuel Gottsching-led group's original sonic blueprint that would also shape both follow-up 'Schwingungen' and 1973's 'Join Inn'. Featuring two sprawling psychedelic opus' - one per each side of the original vinyl release - and plenty of shimmering psychedelic effects, breathless murmuring, ghostly percussion riffs and multi-layered instrumental drones, this self-titled effort belongs to that small group of densely-cosmic krautrock albums that take the term 'psychedelic' to musical planes as yet uncharted. The album's first piece, 'Amboss', proves soft and dreamy; 'Traumaschine', which features a more complex sound, weaves a darker, faster and much more discordant sonic journey that may well prove a test for some listeners. The overall effect of both pieces is certainly striking, yet there would be much better to come from the post-Schulze line-ups of Ash Ra Tempel, especially in the form of the group's excellent third album 'Join Inn'. Those who enjoy long and mystical instrumental epics in the mould of both Yatha Sidhra and Popul Vuh's earlier works and the tripper side of krautrock are urged to investigate; those who like a bit more punch to their music should stay away. You have been warned...rock music this ain't. STEFAN TURNER, STOKE NEWINGTON, 2012