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Reviews

Keller & Schönwälder — The Reason Why... Part Two
(Manikin MRCD 7057, 2000, CD)

by Phil Derby, Published 2001-07-01

The Reason Why... Part Two Cover art

I already thought that The Reason Why from Keller & Schönwälder’s 3-CD box set was excellent. But then I kept reading reviews of people who had attended the show, claiming that, as good as this CD was, it left off some of the best bits from their performance at Jodrell Bank. Well, this pudding is the proof. Packaged in a clean blue plastic jewel case, the music is razor-sharp electronics presented in stellar fashion. High, shimmering metallic synths crest over the top of wonderful, classic Berlin school sequencing. The 31-minute “Da Capo” is trademark Teutonics, beginning with light, atmospheric synths and bells, not taking too long before the first sequence begins. Infinitely swirling loops seem to grow and multiply, no doubt making the fan of classic Tangerine Dream or Klaus Schulze swoon from the excitement and sheer pleasure of hearing this. Layers keep on adding to the mix just right, from percussion to piano, from kicking beats to dramatic choirs. As strong an opener as this is, the last two tracks are equally solid. “Tanz der Elfen” rips a page out of Schulze’s book of classic hypnotic sequences with just the right dark touches from synth strings and choirs. The stuttering rhythm pattern works especially well. Again it builds very, very nicely, reaching dizzying heights of interlacing sequences. This is reminiscent of some of their best work from their Loops and Beats CD. The aptly named “Chill Out” brings things to a wonderfully mellow conclusion. Simply a must-have.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 22, 2000 releases

Related artist(s): Keller & Schönwälder

 

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