Moebius-Plank-Neumeier

A remarkably brilliant reissue from the Krautrock archives, featuring the dream-team of studio magician Conny Plank and the enviably talented Dieter Moebius playing with the unbridled energy of human drum machine Mani Neumeier.

Recorded in 1983, but as Asmus Titchens remarks in the liner notes "...it belongs to the late 1970s when the spirit of experimentation worked its charm on the first generation of German electronic musicians", 'Zero Set' is out there! Compared to the synth pop that was beginning to flow into Plank's studio at the time, this is radically different, morphing from mindblowing proto techno minimalism on 'Pitch Control' to clattering futurist disco angles on 'All Repro' or using the Sudanese vocals of Deuka on 'Recall' creating a peculiar style of EBM Afrofuturism.

It's clear to hear that all players involved are relishing the experience, with the muscular rhythm section of Moebius' arpeggiated basslines and Neumeier's stamina drumming dryly shaped by Plank's studio imagination, but never slipping into psyched-out meandering, sounding like the musicians were ingesting large amounts of strong coffee rather than mindblowing acid.

Those looking for a psyched-out kosmiche mindtrip will be dissappointed, but those seeking the lean, intelligent and energetic sound of three of Krautrock's finest in their prime will be delighted. Amazing.

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Speed Display
• A2. Load
• A3. Pitch Control

• SIDE B
• B1. All Repro
• B2. Recall
• B3. Search Zero