Blast by Centrozoon

To ambiguity...and beyond!

What is with the Germans and the synthesiser? From Tangerine Dream Kraftwerk and Can, these Teutonic knob-twiddlers have wielded the sine wave like a scythe through our consciousness and they show no signs of slowing down with their sonic assault.

The latest in this long line of existentialist cosmic toe-tappers is a duo called Centrozoon. Featuring Markus Reuter on Warr guitar (an off-shoot of the Chapman Stick) and Bernhard Wostheinrich on synth, Blast is their first album for the electronica label DiN.

Unlike many of their predecessors, there are no heavily regimented sequencers or crashing drum machines crunching four to the floor of the Berlin School. This kind of Blast is altogether more subtle, a passionate music pulsating with an inner light.

There are few signposts in the way of rhythms or solos to be found on the album. Instead each track is a collaboration of equals, where Reuter and Wostheinrich meld their respective sonic palettes to create a work of considerable poise.

In this quest for balance they display an almost painterly concern for the use of space, tone and colour. Each aspect assiduously compiled and compacted, with luminous motifs and phrases sweeping up through the rich layers before fading away.

It’s this ambiguity which paradoxically lends Blast its strength, ensuring that the listener remains intrigued and thus engaged - part of the overall process rather than separated from the proceedings.

Don’t be tempted to think this is tame ambient wallpaper. It’s not. There is a sureness of touch which ensures the music resonates vibrantly throughout each of its five tracks.

A work of maturing clarity from two fine young players.

Standout track: Blast