QLUSTER

First Cluster, then Kluster and now Qluster. For the past half a decade or so, esteemed progressive electronica maestro Hans-Joachim Roedelius has continued to expand on his own legacy with sonic experiments bordering on the expressive and romantic.

Tasten has its feet and fingers firmly rooted in the latter - with the aid of Onnen Bock and Armin Metz, six hands explore the artistic and creative boundaries of three Steinway concert pianos. Three times to the power of Frahms and co, Roedelius and friends create gently eddying passages that cross the genres of classical and ambient with aplomb.

Thus you get tonal musique-concrete such as Traum Vom Fligen, blissful atmospherics on Il Campanile and the reflective Zwischen den Zeilen all executed by a trio of musicians who not only play their pianos, they feel each key with precision and warmth. Don't expect pretty easy-listening - this is music for drifting, escaping and thinking to, a work that belies the main instigator's genial age. All in all, Tasten is one of Roedelius' most absorbing albums of late.

This review also appeared also on Flipside Reviews.

Paul PLEDGER
02/08/2015