Klaus Hoffmann Hook & Bernd Wosteinrich
Conundrum
CD / 7 tracks / 56.45 mins
Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband
Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb
(Excerpt from track(s) 'Virupaksha')
What a fascinating combination - Klaus 'Cosmic' Hoffmann and sound sculptor extraordinaire Bernd Wostheinrich! And it works so incredibly well. 'Virupaksha' gets off to an excellent start with a superb forceful sequence cutting through blissful little shimmers like a knife through the finest silk. A cool groove is crafted with exquisite space guitar colouring in the middle of the mix creating great depth, caressing the psyche but also getting the pulse racing. A fantastic opener with just a hint of Eastern mysticism.

'Bowed Vision' uses smooth (bowed) cosmic string sounds as a lovely tranquil backing, creating the perfect chill out atmos. Laid back guitar chords then a slow chugging sequence and sympathetic rhythm increase the pace just enough to get my head nodding to it and hands beating out time on the table. The guitar, as on all this album, is an essential part of the overall feel but it is restrained, adding colour and depth but never giving it the axe man treatment. Exquisite. The title track is very dreamy, female Eastern vocal colouring hovering over a gentle electronic sea. A loping rhythm, as if accompanying a camel train across the desert, wakes me up slightly whilst more ethereal guitar soothes the mind. 'Phased Realities' starts with weird windy sounds before the heaviest rhythm on the album so far makes an entrance. It's all rather precise and sharp, just oozing attitude with even a hint of menace. Guitar notes fall like water droplets creating a subtle melody all of their own. A fascinating piece of music.

We return to calm relaxation as 'Swarmandel' floats into being. A bass line / rhythm combination really kick the track into life. Sitar (I think) adds to the interest. We are given a brief breather in the middle section before the rhythm strikes up again with added oomph making it impossible for me to stay still. The mood changes once more as gently strummed guitar gives 'Flavia's Paradise' an on the edge of sleep sort of feel. A collage of electronic sounds pass through my wandering thoughts. It's certainly rather strange but fascinating nevertheless. 'Moonlit' settles the mind, once more lulling us into sleep and providing the most ethereal moments on the album. This is an album that has inventiveness but is also easy on the ear. I really enjoyed it. (DL)

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