Automat - Ostwest

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 25 / 2 / 2017

Label: Bureau B
Format: CD

Musically diverse third album from experimental and eccentric Berlin electronic trio Automat

Review

As the proud owner of this LP, for this past week or so, it is my full conviction that 'Ostwest' has entered my 2016 Top 10 Albums of the Year list. Dubby krautrock kicks off this ace collection of driving beats. Astounding rhythms and compositions set the tone on 'OstWest'; those put together on the majestic first track 'Fabrik der Welt' only prove to be the beginning. Hesitant footstep rhythms and a marching army band merge in this leftfield-ish vacuum of sounds. 'Tränenpalast' - Palace of Tears - marks a change in style as drizzle sets down on the mood and euphoria gets told to hold back. On 'Yuko' - the next track - imagination, however, again flows freely at will - very much to the extent of going elsewhere. Sirens and ship horns unneeded, the album brings together the sheer essence in Berlin's Basic Channel music. For the benefit of record, 'Ostwest' captures electronic dance music in its purest form. Subtle click-house goes around in the background while compositions grow wide and get large. It is half modern dance music, half modern composing - All in neat and seamless Automat fashion, like a dummy driving a test car BMW. There is more magic to this however as Automat's stern beats come with a certain grace. Music to bang your head to, it comes in the company of lovely rhymes and rhythms. Automat is very much the Beat Master behind this renewed format. Bear in mind that 'Ostwest' bangs on, indifferent to what's supposed to come next. The 'OstWest' juxtaposition stands ever so truly. Moreover Automat manage to make a Berlin airport sound like a Sahara desert on the hypnotic track 'Transit'. Juicy, versatile and wholesome, 'Ostwest' very much sums up such qualities. Originating from both sides of the Berlin Wall, 'Ostwest' falls right in between. Some of the beats on the album sound God-like. The album melts fine new beats and from it a brand new sound arises. The best of both worlds still stands true as an old saying in archaic Dutch goes: Oost West Thuis Best. East, West, Home Best.