CLUSTER - QUA

Cluster remain one of the most unusual and unsung of the original Krautrock wave.

Their airy excursions into abstract electronic sound lack the propulsive rhythms of Neu! or the whimsical experimentalism of Faust. Impressively, though, their first studio album in 14 years suggests the partnership of Hans-Joachim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius still has inspiration to burn.

Seventeen tracks, some just interludes, others stretching out to seven minutes in length, Qua runs the gamut from cold space-station ambience to serene minimalism to shuffling electronica, while maintaining a commendable consistency.

"Xanesra" employs slow, emotive washes of synth occasionally invaded by rather more abrasive sound effects, while "Malturi Sa" is bubbly avant-dance that one might venture was reminiscent of Mouse On Mars, if one was not aware where they picked up such tricks in the first place.

Louis Pattison

Klangbad/Broken Silence