Silberland Vol 3 The Ambient Side Of Kosmische Musik 1972-1986

After focusing on the rhythmic, proto-techno side of Krautrock with the second volume, the third installment of Bureau Bs Silberland series gathers ambient, new age, and progressive electronic selections from the vast catalog of the reissue-heavy German label. This covers a lot of ground, from eerie, washed-out soundscapes to driving tracks that feel propulsive enough, even without drums. The set starts with Cluster & Enos gently contemplative "Ho Renomo," immediately followed by a tranquil, shimmering Roedelius piece that feels like a pleasant drift down a river. Vonos "Hitze" inhabits a much different mood, resembling a voyage into a bat-filled cave, and Der Plans "Die Wuste" is a haunting gothic miniature. Yous "E-Night" paints a sky-like canvas with comet-like guitar strokes, truly creating a cosmic aura. Harald Grosskopfs "Oceanheart" is one of the compilations darkest, most fluid selections, conveying feelings of seabound isolation. Serge Blenners sweet, playful "Phrase IV" is more sparkling and arpeggio-heavy. Later on in the collection, there are several tracks that incorporate drum machines, though they tend to be set at more relaxed tempos. Lapres melancholy journey "Tedan" might be the most rock-adjacent song here, and Moebius & Planks "Nordostliches Gefuhl" is a cold lament with snapping beats dragging across a concrete floor. Conrad Schnitzlers mega-trippy "Electric Garden," on the other hand, bends beats into swaying movements, and Asmus Tietchens "Rauschlinge" is hypnotic and phaser-heavy. Rudiger Lorenzs "Southland" brings something close to sad RPG vibes, and Thomas Dingers "Alleewalzer" adds some sparkle to the type of mood Bowie explored on the instrumental sections of his Berlin albums. ~ Paul Simpson