Another release here from what is fast becoming my favourite label, Bureau B. This time it comes in the shape of 'The Wild Hunt' album from musicians Ralf Beck and Sebastian Lee Phillip, both stalwarts of Salon des Amateurs in Dusseldorf, Otherwise known as Germany's post-punk Hacienda.
Perhaps naturally then, there is a nod and wink to local acts such as DAF, Propaganda, NEU!, and Kraftwerk. Of more interest is the ancient Germanic myth of the wild hunt that takes place between Christmas and Twelfth Night. Rowdy hunters from the netherworld whose path it is better not to cross, YEE-HA!
Like a lot of music that comes out on Bureau B this is percussive and analog, synthetic and impressive. The hunt begins with 'Wah Wah Wallenstein' which I am shocked to discover goes on for nearly eight minutes, it feels like half that. It also reminds me of Sven Vath with its techno edge.
'Austerlitz' is another seven plus whopper that sails by on a simple but catchy flute motif and some nice bass. Join the hunt why don't you! 'Torpedovogel' is 'Becktian' in a 'Cellphone's Dead' kind of way. 'Durch dunkle Tannen' follows on in that slightly moody vein with a bit of spoken word thrown into the mix. The dread vibe is prevalent, maybe the hunt are nearby?
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'Der Elektrische Reiter' is a bit of a helicopter tune, in the sense that it has a chopper sound here and there in the track. Other than that you wouldn't say there is a lot going on and it's quite repetitive but it is definitely a creeper.
'Morgenrot' is another spoken word track with a squelchy sixties backing. I love it and yes it does help that I don't know what they are talking about. It is a very atmospheric piece. The hunt picks up the pace again with 'Jagd auf den Hirsch' which might be my favourite in a set of stiff competition. I like the fact that it sounds like a live drummer is sitting in and it really takes its time to build up. Top drawer, I could go on all night with it.
The final piece in the jigsaw is 'Der Meister' which turns out to be a lush and contemporary sounding piece. Warm bass, melodic vocals and a nice twist when they reverse those. Kraftwerk updated, I suppose you could say.
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