 |
EINSTURZENDE NEUBAUTEN - Alles Wieder Offen (Potomak)
By Frank Deserto
 German industrial purists Einstürzende Neubauten may have seemingly sat dormant since their last release, 2004's Perpetuum Mobile, but on the contrary, they have been as busy and prolific as ever. Free from record label constraints since 2002, the band launched a behind-the-scene series of supporter projects, each a fan-funded venture to record and release a series of musical experiments over a set course of time. Over ten discs worth of material was created as the band lay silent in the public's eye, and now they're ready to rise forth again with the upcoming release of Alles Wieder Offen (translation: "All Open Again"), their tenth 'official' studio album on their own independent label, Potomak.
Those familiar with Neubauten's illustrious supporter projects will also be familiar with some of the material that appears on Alles Wieder Offen, for the ten-track record features sound bytes, backing tracks, and a handful of compositions from their supporter releases, most notably the 8-part Musterhaus series. This is not a simple compilation of past recordings, however, for Alles Wieder Offen expands on previous ideas and offers up fresh ones, and the majority of the record is comprised of unique tracks. Just like the previous few Neubauten albums, the sound of Alles Wieder Offen is much less abrasive and confrontational than their classic 80's output, but there's a more subdued yet powerful aesthetic with the inclusion of pianos and string instruments alongside their usual marriage of modern technology, organic percussion, and singer Blixa Bargeld's vocal experimentations. Also unlike past efforts, Blixa's harsh wail is more calculated, rhythmic, and direct. There are pieces that meander skillfully, like piano-centered opener 'Die Wellen,' which beautifully builds to an abrupt conclusion. However, songs such as 'Let's Do It a Dada' and lead-off single 'Weil Weil Weil' throb and pulse with dance floor rhythms and infectious grooves, even if they happen to be steel-based and unconventional. In the end, though Einstürzende Neubauten may not be reinventing the wheel with Alles Wieder Offen, they have certainly recorded an album worth their supporters' (and even their more casual fans') fiscal input, and one that shall sit boldly beside previous efforts. Alles Wieder Offen will be available in stores on October 23rd, or through their website, www.neubauten.org.
back to jerseybeat.com l back to top
|
