Klaus Schulze
Live @ Klangart CD2
Compact Disc / 4 tracks / 66.43 mins

This CD is even better than the first one in the series. Cosmic twitters and flutey type wind sounds abound on the opening section of 'La Fugue Sequenca'. We then get some distorted stabs and deep ominous rumblings out of which emerges a mean bass sequence. Its a real cracker but before long its a plucked string one that attracts the main attention but then an even better one keeps appearing and then disappearing only to eventually become a permanent feature. This is awesome stuff so much is going on. Yet another sequence enters at the six minute mark- a high register one then the drums come in. How on Earth he manages to control the maelstrom and then construct a scorching lead line over the top I will never know. Its all extremely exciting and Klaus sounds as if he is having fun.

The pulsating brew momentarily takes a back seat as he gives the lead loads of umph but it isn't long before the rhythms come back. There is so much going on here that its very hard to take it all in on first listen. In fact this is my fourth time of hearing and I'm still not completely to grips with it but it gets my pulse racing faster and faster with each play. 'Cavalleria Cellisticana' is the first of the collaborative tracks with Wolfgang Tiepold and its absolutely fantastic! Wolfgang's deep cello can be heard over an electronic drone gently but mournfully crying out. Its so serene and relaxing. Each note is a caress as the gorgeous melody seeps into your soul. Half way into the track the mood is changed dramatically as the sequences surge forward- then in come crashing drums taking you by the shoulders and giving you a shake. Initially Klaus takes over lead duties but Wolfgang soon joins him though again subtlety is the order of the day. He doesn't axe it, that duty is left to Klaus, instead he provides colour and texture. For the last couple of minutes its back to the cello over drones combination which worked so well at the beginning.

At nine minutes their second track together 'Tracks of Desire' is the shortest over both CDs but it is a stunning little piece beginning with solo cello which becomes very deep at times then at almost two minutes in it is joined by soft synth pads. For the rest of the track both pads and cello weave rather sad sounding picture music. The feeling of sadness is emphasised still further during the last minute by choral effects which can just be heard very low in the mix. The final number 'Last Move at Osnabruck' is again Klaus on his own and begins with a bouncy sequence / loop. Some rather strange heavily distorted vocal samples are added as is a rhythm but it isn't until the three minute mark when the thing really seems to take off with the the introduction of rather symphonic pads. A tinkling sequence is added and the earlier loop fades away but this sequence itself then mutates into a similar pattern of the loop before coming to a tranquil conclusion. This is a much simpler track than much of what has gone on before. Its OK but not my favourite number here, mind you it does have some rather stunning competition. (DL)

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