FAUST Vinyl & CDs

Review: Following a series of essential reissues, Bureau B's latest release delves into the classic chaos of Faust with Blickwinkel, a new CD curated by Zappi Diermaier and featuring contributions from fellow founder Gunther Wusthoff. Faust, the Hamburg band known for their groundbreaking Krautrock from 1971 to 1974, continues to embody a spirit of relentless innovation and experimentation. Blickwinkel captures a moment of raw, communal creativity with six new tracks that explore industrial clamor, disconcerting ambience, and psychedelic motorik. This latest incarnation of Faust, guided by Diermaier, revels in spontaneity and chance, embracing a democratic, unadulterated approach to music-making. The album's genesis involved Zappi Diermaier drumming at the studio of Dirk Dresselhaus (aka Schneider TM), accompanied by electronics specialist Elke Drapatz. This session of immediate, wordless interaction resulted in a diverse array of sounds, contrasting with the previous release, Daumenbruch, which focused on longer, more meditative pieces. In Blickwinkel, expect a whirlwind of auditory texturesidrones, clatter and rhythmic sequencesipunctuated by surprising elements like baroque strings, playful horns and psychedelic effects. Only Uwe Bastiansen (Stadtfisch) provides melodic contributions, complementing Dresselhaus' persistent bass and enhancing the album's unique pagan tonalities. This release, rich with unexpected guests and dynamic shifts, shows Faust's commitment to pushing boundaries and creating something wholly unique.

Review: Known for their pioneering Krautrock era from 1971 to 1974, Faust remain a symbol of innovation and avant-garde experimentation. This album encapsulates a moment of unfiltered, collective creativity, presenting six tracks that delve into industrial noise, eerie ambience, and psychedelic motorik rhythms. Under Diermaier's guidance, this iteration of Faust embraces spontaneity and a democratic approach to music, free from external influences. The creation of Blickwinkel involved Diermaier's drumming sessions at Dirk Dresselhaus's (Schneider TM) studio, accompanied by electronics expert Elke Drapatz. This unplanned, collaborative effort led to a range of auditory experiences, contrasting sharply with their previous release, Daumenbruch, which featured more extended, contemplative pieces. Listeners can anticipate a sonic whirlwind filled with drones, rhythmic clamor, and eclectic textures, accented by unexpected elements like baroque strings, lively horns, and trippy effects. Uwe Bastiansen (Stadtfisch) adds melodic layers that complement Dresselhaus's driving bass, infusing the album with its distinctive pagan soundscape. Faust's unwavering dedication to breaking new ground and crafting a truly original auditory experience remains nothing short of spectacular.

Review: Bureau B's latest release, curated by Faust's founding member Zappi Diermaier and featuring a collective of musical collaborators including Gunther Wusthoff, continues the band's legacy of radical innovation. Faust, the iconic Hamburg group known for their pioneering role in Krautrock between 1971 and 1974, has consistently pushed boundaries with their avant-garde approach. Their early work is celebrated for its uncompromising and experimental nature, which remains influential today. The new LP, Blickwinkel, offers a fresh perspective on Faust's sonic exploration. This album captures a moment of spontaneous creation, merging industrial noise, unsettling ambience, and psychedelic motorik into a cohesive six-track experience. The record reflects the band's commitment to synchronicity and chance, embodying the spirit of their Krautrock roots while embracing contemporary dynamics. Recorded in a collaborative spirit with Zappi Diermaier on drums, Dirk Dresselhaus on bass, and Elke Drapatz handling electronic effects, Blickwinkel represents a continuation of their experimental journey. Unlike the previous Daumenbruch, which featured long-form compositions, this album delivers a more varied auditory experience with six distinct tracks. The session, held in a home studio, was characterised by a deep empathetic connection among the musicians, resulting in a diverse range of soundsifrom drones and delays to unexpected melodic interventions by Uwe Bastiansen. Each track disrupts traditional stylistic boundaries with elements like baroque strings, quirky horns, and dynamic phasing effects, creating a constantly evolving soundscape. Blickwinkel shows Faust's enduring ability to innovate and redefine their musical expression and their ongoing creative process.