CLUSTER Vinilo y CD

Review: Released in 1972, this turning-point work from German duo Cluster sees them move away from the abrasive chaos of their Kluster origins into something more controlled, spatial and tonal. With Conny Plank now focused on production rather than performance, the pair hone their approach into six named pieces-more concise, but still rich in mood and texture. 'Plas' and 'Georgel' simmer with soft modulations and bubbling loops, while 'Im Suden' stretches into blissfully uneasy territory, evoking desolation and calm in equal measure. 'Live in der Fabrik' is the set's centre of gravity, a longform pulse of metallic resonance and oscillating feedback that swells into kosmische abstraction. Less confrontational than its predecessor, it remains an essential document of early 70s electronic drift-weightless, eerie and always on the edge of collapse.

Review: Cluster's Zuckerzeit stands as a landmark in electronic music, showing the duo's innovative approach to ambient electronic soundscapes. Unlike their self-aware avant-garde contemporaries, Cluster's music emerges as a pure expression of their passion for electronic gadgetry and songwriting. The album's subtle shift in sound from their previous work heralds a more intriguing style characterized by bubbling ideas and electronic manipulation. Tracks like 'Hollywood' and 'Caramel' paint vivid pictures with gloriously chunky synthesizers and jerky drumbeats, evoking reflective and playful tones respectively. 'Rote Riki' ventures into experimental territory with alien-like synths and throbbing bass, while 'Rosa,' "Fotschi Tong,' and 'Marzipan' conjure images of ambient space exploration with colorful synthesizers and relaxed drumbeats. 'Caramba' and 'James' delve deeper into experimentation, showcasing Cluster's versatility. Closing with 'Rotor' and 'HeiBe Lippen,' the album maintains its pace, with motorik beats and droning sounds adding to the overall spacey atmosphere. Clocking in at under 40 minutes, Zuckerzeit is a dynamic journey through Cluster's boundless creativity, setting a new standard for electronic music.