Pete Namlook & Klaus Schulze Dark Side of the Moog X

We get a spoken intro that wouldn't have been out of place on a Binar album but maybe a tad more sinister. Cosmic twitters then take over to be replaced by ominous metallic pads- all very eerie. Strange sound effects, as if aliens trying to make themselves understood, becomes the main focus. This is deliciously atmospheric stuff. A sort of deep space calmness takes over as we gently start to float. Soft shimmering organ sounds get the second part underway, looped staccato notes echoing into the distance. All is still tranquil. A second melodic loop joins the first, ebbing and flowing in the mix. As we enter the third part a stop start rhythm gradually begins to form. Things become more syncopated all the time developing into a relaxed groove.

An inspired piano solo arrives after a couple of minutes, hitting the spot perfectly. We drift into the fourth part with just insect effects to keep us company but it isn't long before we are bouncing along nicely on the back of a quirky bass sequence. A very Schulzian combination of lead line, additional sequence and excellent rhythm take over. It develops superbly gaining extra oomph as we go- wonderful stuff. What a shame that it all fades after just three minutes and we return to atmospheric realms. There is a sort of pulse in the background but the overall feeling is one of melancholy. The pulse becomes heavier as another very Schulzian sequence / rhythm combination breaks through. We are back in hyperdrive again and the heart begins to race. Once more this is first rate stuff. We finish with a couple of minutes of ethereal sounds and more cosmic effects. The fifth part is again tinged with sadness, shimmering drones mixing with wonderful gentle celestial organ sounds. The final part has a little more bite with upfront meandering lead line providing the main focus. It's not exactly melodic but certainly intense. The talky bit at the beginning of this album tells us that it will be a 'rather special record'.