Mathias Grassow & Tomas Weiss

Our review
Customer reviews
Press release
Soundclips

4...according to our Clinton on Thu 09 Dec, 2010.

Art can be described in many ways to justify its existence. Having worked in an art department of a University for the past three years I've seen all sorts of nonsense given justification. Walking round for six months with one shoe on for example. The sleeve notes on this record, let's be honest about this, are a load of old bollocks and are doing their best to put me off writing about the record. As is the first track which can easily described in two words 'synth' and 'wash'. Thankfully the second track heralds the start of my ears judging the album on its own terms which is splendidly intricate and detailed ambient music of the highest order, a bleepy Eno-esque five minutes of pleasure followed by the slightest of drones coming in from the ether with weird slurpy noises. Each track unfurls with precision, gentle undulating drones, haunting textures. Fuck it, I can't write about this stuff save to say - excellent ambient music. Maybe now I understand the sleeve notes.

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Grassow & Weiss join up for another spacious adventure, showcasing an hour of high quality Ambient with an amazing array of subtle and intricate detail.Although the music evolves slowly and deliberately, it's probably one of their most varied albums up to date.Ranging from dynamic and engaging dronescapes to razor-sharp produced textures, flavored with a touch of early Space Music.
Electric angels is a fusion of heart and mind. Leaving the industrial age of the 19th century and the information age of the 20th century behind, the 21st century opens the door to the age of consciousness. Electric angels is a musical representation of this passage from the old era into a new one. Limited CD in special two panel digi file.

REVIEW

I still keep in mind that memorable day, many years ago, when I have explored Mathias' soundworlds for the first time through his "In Search Of Sanity" album, at that time I was immediately fascinated by this, for me unknown artist. Now 15 years later, Mathias and his frequent team-mate Tomas keep me on impressing again and again. "Electric Angels" opens with intense droning piece, so typical for these prolific artists, but soon after that we recognize quite non-traditional variety in texture. We move to more uplifting arrangements with more minimal early space styling, the title "Touch Of Glimmer" speaks for itself. After meditative "Crystal Children" we take tranquil and hypnotic journey on "Era" with some overtoning magics, this leads us to kind of glitchy space-tribal adventure on "Acrossway". At the end we get back to expanding and elevating dronescapes, while "Introbalance" flavoured with guitar is perfect closer for this masterwork that keeps my attention for 60 minutes. Yes, I don't hesitate to use this word, because "Electric Angels" is a really rewarding departure from more traditional or trade marking sound of Mathias & Tomas and evident proof of their unlimited potential even if owning huge discography. These guys have a lot to offer and many new projects in the pipeline, so as always I keep my ears ready. Until then, "Electric Angels" is my fave work of their 2010 schedule, even better than "Farewell" or Nostalgia's "Echoes From The Borderland". Last but not least, the CD comes in nice glossy 4-panel cardboard sleeve packaging, similary designed as previous two Databloem releases, Nostalgia and Pleq & Segue, nice work from Databloem too.(Richard Gürtler - Slovakia )

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