Momentaufnahme I

First available as part of the box set 1971-1974, Momentaufnahme I gathers non-album material recorded by German art rock legends Faust during their original run. Mixing raw fragments with studio experiments and freewheeling jams, both Momentaufnahme volumes are closer in spirit to the logic-defying collage of The Faust Tapes than the bands other albums from the time period, offering a peek behind the curtain at the groups creative process while functioning as stand-alone artistic statements. Several tracks cut to the chase and zero in on particularly intense moments from the bands productive sessions. "Flaflas" is a heady burst of distorted fuzz guitar and droning organ, lumbering forward until the rhythm eventually accelerates. "Vorsatz" is much looser, with a broken, almost funky rhythm and woozy effects, but it has a similarly disorienting power. Numerous tracks are heavy on vintage synthesizers, with "Weird Sounds Sound Bizarre" simultaneously exploring cavernous depths of bass and playing screeching feedback solos, and "Acouphenes" following hissing waves of white noise. "Es Ist Wieder Da" layers whirring, chirping synths onto a complex, skipping rhythm, predicting the sounds that experimental post-punk acts like This Heat would explore a decade later. The oozing, free-falling "Bonne Soupe Au Fromage" and more groove-driven "Ruckwarts durch die Drehtur" conclude the release, and Faust sound comfortable stretching out on both tracks. ~ Paul Simpson