2350.org - The Dark Side of the Moog IX

the disc starts us off in dark droney tunnels. the tone changes rather quickly. slow moving brilliance, building to some chilled beats. there are some more upbeat elements similar to alien community I+II's beat oriented material. the music is deep and emotional sounding. with -7:30 in part one, klaus schulze shines. this mixes with (at -4:55) an amazing synth combination, that will make you smile. hypnotic mind trance. the journey slows into a klaus schulze ambient fadeout.

part two -
again, drones building into something moving, and something impending. a rather intense piece that never seems to let you go. it hovers and haunts.

part three -
a brighter beginning, leading way to an upbeat sequence. there are some nice tangerine dream moments throughout. a beautiful ambient dream swells within. with -1:40, schulze emerges again.

part four and five -
ambience with a nice build. the beat like sequences slowly tease us with a short coming climax (starting -8:15). a single loop builds with intensity, only to fade away. at -6:53, some electronic tangerine dream synths swirl around the backdrop beat. the cd closes on with some heavenly samples. slow moving namlook loops, build slightly, and come back down. with -6:53, schulze breaks into the foreground. a slow funky bass lurks through the electronics creating a chilled environment. again there are some elements from the alien community series.

part six -
a nice highlight of schulze and namlook to end a wonderful journey (even though rather short).

(review by jackthetab)

Firstly, a few benchmarks: Is this better than the eight previous DSOTM discs? ... Definitely. Is it the best Fax release since Wired? ... Without a doubt. Is it KS's best work since Are You Sequenced in '96? ... You bet!

Pete must have wet himself when Klaus's original DAT arrived in Traben Trarbach (assuming that's how they worked it this time) as this is just about as good as it gets. There is little doubt that it's the KS star which shines most brightly on this release yet full credit must also go to Pete, not only for an excellent production job but, also for some truly illuminating touches of his own.

Part One is a 20 minute epic - a fluid, rhythmic groove (reminds me of the Roach/Unis 'Blood Machine' although it's even better) ... this is a tale of 70's analogue sounds, dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. In fact, it's a death knell for all the struggling bedroom artists who'll never come remotely close to this level of musicianship.

Part Two is five minutes of the darkest Moog we've heard thus far, vast and foreboding, I was glad I decided to invest in Bose speakers for my car ... play this one loud.

Part Three is some classic Schulzian sequencing (at its very best) interspersed with 'acoustic' sounding percussives and rather nice touches from Namlook who also demonstrates some considerable restraint, unselfishly embracing and enhancing the moment.

At less than two minutes Part Four is little more than an interlude but, in keeping with Part Two, a cavernous one that maintains the right balance in mood.

Part Five raises yet higher the incredible standard of this release with all the renowned KS elements (chords, sequencing, soloing) packaged in classic 'Fax housestyle'. This track explores powerful rhythmic themes yet, succeeds totally in preserving an all-pervading sense of melancholia. A rare coalescence that makes for compulsive listening.

Part Six is effectively an extension of the previous track but, one where the rhythmic lifeforce peaks and then subsides - leaving just the yearning, sublime tones of a final life blood.

In this releases one can witness both Klaus as master craftsman and Pete as finely-honed collaborator and producer. Hit the replay button!

(review by Paul Milligan)