Holle Mangler 3=4

Mangler's third release is actually his fourth recording but released out of sequence with the third presumably to follow on later, hence the unusual title. Being familiar with his previous work, which displayed character and power, it was with some interest that I approached this album. After a brief but promising introduction, 'Wide Willow's expansive themes kick start the set and are underpinned by strong, muscular, percussion which characterise Mangler's organic three dimensional sound . In places here there are melodic similarities with Jarre's slower melancholic passages . 'On the Run' is more upbeat with percussion and bass high in the mix with occasional voice samples accompanying the anthemic motifs. 'The Morning After' is a slower more reflective piece but retains the prominent rhythms that resonate through much of the set.

'Pollenflug' lays on the melodrama with dense cinematic textures and discordant atmospherics whilst , 'Lost in Thought (Valley of Death)' provides a temporary respite from the rhythms as Mangler builds up a heavy, Gothic, melancholic swirl of sound. 'Clouds' is aptly meandering piece with quirky but catchy motifs , and eccentric rhythm patterns and changes , which don't always come off. 'Perfect One In the Golden Room' is another strong landscape of sound , which again has a cinematic quality. 'Night 2 Day' has some fine passages marred slightly by some eccentric excesses and 'Strange Illusion' is typical upbeat Mangler fare. Finally, the bonus track 'Beginning of the End' completes set without making too much of an impression.