Ramp Looking Back in Anger Play Sample:   56K Dialup   Broadband   Download Sample:   500K   1.5Mb (Excerpt from track(s) 'The Warsaw Disaster') Please go to the Store to buy this item.

What we have here is a selection of previously unreleased pieces from the band's ten-year history presented in chronological order. It is very much designed to show that they have a wider repertoire than many will have thought. The sleeve notes seem to show a frustration that they are considered a 'retro' band. They are not the only act around to have resented being so pigeonholed. The fact is though, as this album demonstrates, Ramp are so good at this style of music! It does also show however, as was the intention, that they can step outside this tried and trusted formula and still come up with the goods. This is an excellent collection that certainly doesn't come over as 'outtakes' as it contains some of the best material I have ever heard from them. The track they choose to start with is superb.

'The Warsaw Disaster' is a very early piece going back to when they were a three piece with Lambert Ringlage. It features infectious rhythms and an anthemic melodic lead line. There are some really fantastic solos here but it doesn't half sound like something from John Dyson's 'Evolution' album! By the fourth minute things wind down to brooding atmospherics through which edgy rhythms start to form once more. A sequence can be heard low in the mix and we get more soloing but slower and more reflective than last time. This is where the title of the track might have some relevance as to me it now sounded very much like Tangerine Dream from their 'Poland' period. Absolutely awesome stuff! 'Sacrileg am mirtag' is a very different kettle of fish as strange wordless wailing / moaning samples bookend gentle ethereal pads.

'Generatorenkonflikte' sees the band in inventive mood as bass pulses mix with chugging metallic rhythms. It rather reminded me of a Cluster album ('Zuckerzeit' maybe?) and even thought I was taken back to my early days as an Electronic Music fan (good times) I am sure it will not be to everyone's taste. 'Tribejagd' starts all calm and relaxed. Very slowly the rhythms build and the ethnic side of the band (as hinted in the title) comes to the fore. Don't think of Steve Roach though as this is much edgier, oozing menace as if we are in some post apocalyptic world where tribes dash around in clapped out vehicles wielding weapons of immense destructive power.

'What is the Point in Eating Concrete' lets the sequences rip over mellotron backing. Berlin School fans will be most happy. It is full of pulsating energy with a snarl around the edges. It just oozes attitude and to these ears, not for the first time, gives a nod towards Radio Massacre International. The guest on this track is Jens Peschke by the way. The title track is initially full of dark brooding malevolence until the fifth minute when the sequences are deployed- and what superb sequences they are too! Loved it. It is very easy in a review, when things are rather quiet and floating to describe the music as 'Cosmic' but 'So Far' really is!