Harmonia Deluxe CD / 6 Tracks / 41.59 mins Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'Notre Dame') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

'Deluxe (immer wieder)' starts with the most sublime synth melody wafting over a lovely restrained rhythm followed by a second equally as wonderful staccato lead line then a half spoken, half sung vocal in German. I know this might put some off but I think it really worked, the words providing a rhythmic quality all of their own. The melody is so stunning it just made me want to play the track again and again. Unlike on the first album they also used a drummer on some of the tracks- and no other than the highly respected Mani Neumeier. Usually the drumming is very subtle such as on 'Walky-Talky' where it just provides a steady almost dreamy rhythm around which weaves some nice guitar flourishes and faintly Eastern sounding synths. It all fits together so appealingly with many a change as one melody is replaced by another, and as is always the case with this band each having a unique feel all of its own. Yet another winner. 'Monza (rauf runther)' on the other hand, even though it starts superbly with some sublime soothing electric guitar colouring over soft deep drones, becomes one where the drums and everything really let rip including for the second and last time on the album vocals (though they do remain low in the mix). This really is crazed manic stuff- great to let yourself play air drums and guitar to.

'Notre Dame' begins with sawing processed organ which really goes for it- an electronic rhythm chugging away over the top. It's then all change just after a minute in as very soothing washes of synth are punctuated by little melodic motifs - really beautiful stuff. Yet another incredible electronic melody rings out for 'Gollum', supported by some more exquisite restrained drumming. The underlying supporting melodies are also just beautiful, shimmering away reaching right for the soul. It's the sort of track you listen to and wonder how your music collection has survived so long without it. More wonderful melodies, some with an almost music box quality to them, whilst others floating and silken smooth, materialise on the final track, 'Keske'. It's all change in the second minute though, as now it's as if we're dozing by some hot lake with the sound of frogs being heard in the background, heat shimmers distorting the air. We finish with an exquisite duo between piano and acoustic guitar- truly beautiful. It is really hard to say if I like this album or their first 'Musik von Harmonia' best. Pleased I have both in my collection! (DL)

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