Short information:

Andrew:

The two CDs are quite different from each other. Depending on my mood, I love one just as much
as the other. But not necessarily at the same time. :-)
I find this album a true joy to listen to. It gives me some of the best 2.5 hours of music I know.
Even without the original signatures on the cover by Detlef Keller ("Mr. Beat") and
Mario Schönwälder ("Mr. Loop")  this one would be one of my treasures.

The first CD ("Loops") is more melodic, almost melancholic, richly-textured.
The second ("Beats") is infinitely more rhythmic, driven, more powerful.

The second would qualify for "Intelligent Techno."
But is actually even better than that. This is superior music.

Jens:

To sum it up: GO FOR IT!
While CD1 contains the loops, CD2 contains the beats. I like both very much but prefer CD2 to CD1.
The whole CD2 kicks ass. It´s quick, modern EM with great sequences, drums and melodies.
Every track is different but you can enjoy it from the first to the last minute.
Music for the body.

If you don´t like to move your ass, avoid this CD at all coasts ;-)

The "Loops" CD is very different from the "Beat" CD, it´s a really good soundtrack for dreaming.
Music for the mind.

More detailled information:

The Loops CD

Reviewed by Jens Peschke, additions by Andrew J. Rózsa.

Track 1. Introduction [1:16] (spoken German words)

Here´s the translation for those who aren´t familiar with this language:

"composing music

 a piano piece begins and ends
 the questions between
 is music a language ?
 
 are tones only the determination of a frequency ?

 every tone an explanation
 every tone a spoken word
 every word a sounded tone

 every word a tone
 every letter a note
 every clef an explanation

 so an orchestra is playing with words and tones
 sometimes one can hear it"

Track 2. Loop 1: deep space [16:04]

Very slow piece. A very good start of our trip.

"We have the arts so that we don´t have to perish because of the reality" (Friedrich Nietzsche)

He was right and this is the music we need for it.

"Lyrical, melodic, tears..." (Andrew)

Track 3. Loop 2: good old times [7:08]

Layered choirs like in "Sakrale Toene", deep string sequences (like in classical music of the 19th century)
and great solo play.

"Beautifully melodic, with voices and with a beat." (Andrew)

Track 4. Loop 3: wages of fear [20:53]

Indian-style sequencer lines like the beginning of "I Robot" by Alan Parsons but a little bit slower.
Strange melodic fragments similiar to TDs "Sorcerer".
The rhythm develops and includes a "steaming" percussion. (sounds a little bit like a starting steam power train).

Unsual but never the less excellent.

"Truly loopy, with repetitive phrases, strong rhythm." (Andrew)

Track 5. Loop 4: the ruins & the full moon [14:37]

Slow synth from heaven meets a piano. An atmosphere like Loop 1.
Keep on dreaming.

"Starts melodic, almost symphonic, eery, a repetitive phrase, spacey piano." (Andrew)

Track 6.Loop 5:the circuit [13:50]

Quick sequencer lines with great hi-hat percussion. Driving e-percussion made by the brilliant Dutch Bas B. Broekhuis.
Nice synth/piano melodies and some atmospherical chords perfect this jewel.
Definitely the best track of CD1.

"Light, rhythmic, serious keyboards, the theme from previous loop." (Andrew)
 

The Beat CD

Reviewed by Andrew J. Rózsa, additions by Jens Peschke.

Track 1: Introduction (spoken German)

"so an orchestra is playing with words and tones
 sometimes one can hear it"

 Track 2. Beat 1: far from india (part one) [7:29]

Whispered echoed voices on a background of smooth but dark bass;
slowly an Indian rhythm (tablas?) comes in, a terrific crescendo, heart beats faster,
you feel like grinning, Jarresque synths, faster, higher...
then dissolve. Ah.

"What should I add to my comments on part two (released on Sakrale Töne) ?
After 2 minutes of slow synth music overlayed by echoed German words spoken by Detlef and Mario
(it sounds more like a sound/effect than any language! - don´t get it, hugh numbers ? 65.000, 88.235 and so on ?)
the tabla beat turns on. I´d like to hear the whole 48 minutes :-)" (Jens)

Track 3. Beat 2: flying colours [12:48]

Strange texture of voices, e-snare drum, some moogy arpeggio, the melodic theme,
barely in the foreground gives you a hint (oh, the rhythm is bosanova), then the KICK,
unexpected, and again, damn this is good music, full melodic development with the loop
running through it, the bass drum keeps us on track (not intrusive),
just when you think it's wrapped up, the melody and the beat come back.

Track 4. Beat 3: worlds in arms. [10:00]

Eerie voiced introduction, with the beat knocking on the door, dodoom dom-dom,
tingling loop chimes in (a la Oldfield's tubular bells) with a sustained bass in the background,
then the beat gets a bit heavy (not strong, but dark), the beat takes over, complex, rich,
and ends in a strong melodic statement.

Track 5. Beat 4: talking sequences [8:59]

Electronic scales and loops, with increasing complexity and sounds;
driving rhythm (Marcel Engels will like this) with a melodic theme (the most TD-esque so far);
to be replaced by almost techno-beat-driven loop.

"And how they´re talking ! The first minutes is one of the best multi layered sequencer music I´ve ever heard.
At the 2 minutes mark quick rhythms (of ambient house-style) are added. This kicks ! Funny piece." (Jens)

Track 6. Beat 5: interval [11:29]

No doubt this IS beat! driven, looped, suffused with melodic themes, I think some of the drums may be analog,
or at least the cymbals, a simple melody is stated as a theme, the beat relentless, with additional rhythm elements
constantly coming in and leaving, simplified melodic content and rhythm gives you a break, then returns.

"A 145 bpm Bassdrum starts the beat. The head bobs.
This is nor techno nor trance - electronic beat music I´d call this." (Jens)

Track 7. Beat 6: triple sequence [7:18]

Composed by Keller,Schönwälder and Bas B, Broekhuis

A nice, peaceful voiced introduction, but I don't trust these guys :-),
just as well, wham! here it comes, first a loopy driving theme (beautiful melodic background),
then the beat; simple tonal statement with incursions of synthed punctuation,
a bit of humorous moog and funky textures.
Triple sequence, indeed.

"Maybe the best track on CD2. Floating quick sequences." (Jens)

Track 8. Beat 7: rush hour [14:26]

What's this? Misa Solemnis? Sacred, almost psalmic...
but not for long, the rhythm makes itself felt soon, with a pretty loop, the beat increases,
the voices stay at first then they fade to make room for the full-blown, driving, trance.

Rush hour. What can I say ?
 

Andrew J. Rózsa and Jens Peschke, 22th September 1997

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