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Reviews

Mind over Matter — Under the Stars
(Innovative IC 87 2345-2, 2000, CD)

by Phil Derby, Published 2001-07-01

Under the Stars Cover art

Klaus Hoffman-Hoock is one of my favorite guitarist/synthesists, and this series of live recordings does little to dispel that perception. Recording either as Cosmic Hoffman or Mind over Matter, Klaus’ recordings always are a great combination of retro Krautrock analog heaven and mind-expanding space music. As the title suggests, this is music of the more floating, spacy variety. Each track runs about ten minutes, allowing just enough time for it to germinate before the next one ensues. The light guitar echoes in “A Night in Mogul’s Garden” perfectly augment the floating synthesizers and distant wailing wordless vocals. Soft percussion appears as layers develop. This is so peaceful and calm. Delicate, bright sequencing carries “Mello(w) Kathmandu” along, as well as light tribal percussion, flute, and more fine guitar playing. Klaus has such a deft hand at knowing when to play and when to pull back, and it really shows here. Eastern-tinged sounds and themes continue with “Mahatma Gandi,” again featuring occasional male vocals which never detract from the atmospheric quality of the music. On the other hand, “Vive la Vie” features French recitation very much in the forefront. It’s a rather abrupt change from the rest of the disc, but even this works somehow. One spacy and one retro track full of Mellotron finish off the disc in fine form. Highly recommended.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 22, 2000 releases

Related artist(s): Mind over Matter

 

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