Kreidler - European Song

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 19 / 4 / 2017

Label: Bureau B
Format: CD

Surprise latest mini-LP from 1990's German electronic pioneers and John Peel show regulars Kriedler

Review

While not related to the classic Roxy Music track, Kreidler play music in a different style but of a same league. Their music could be similarly arresting but was also sometimes too studied and doctored. After they allowed their routine to be changed by The New White House Idiot - many seem to forget those similar zealots Nixon and Reagan that went before - Kreidler decided to record a surprise mini-album of music which they had composed and played on their current tour. There is vibrant vitality from the first moment. 'Boots' kicks off in swanky style with solid elegance. Tribal repetition on 'Kannibal' results in a quirky and excellent dance floor filler. Minimalistic extrapolation of such lively and direct beats, including a fabulous but most modest drop of the bass, on the following number 'Coulées' brings on string sounds as if Steve Reich were on an exotic adventure. The LP's second side leads us to 'Radio Island' which employs hypnotic percussion bells. Step-by-step the (electronic) keyboards churn out small and mesmerizing alarm signals like a ghost ship on a steady course. This epic omen which is thirteen minutes in total length becomes with its dry funk beats trance-like in its latter stages. The impromptu album closes in similarly funky and undeviating style with 'No God', which is like a hands-on epilogue to a blast-off session. Where's the action? Listen, here it is. It comes on (golden) vinyl and on CD.