Claustrum — Funeral Fugues & Reminiscence 1992 –1997
Opening with the oppressive and melancholic “Funeral Fugues – Introve” you are met with a stunningly beautiful mix of the moribund and the pain that a lot of dark ambient acts miss out. The emotion of the piece is virtually palpable. and this sets the album up perfectly.
Following this is the "orto". A droning simple piece that you find falling into before, what I can only assume, is a Latvian folk song sampled hauntingly mixes into it. By track seven, the darkness and moribund have hit a new level of funereal like grim-ness & emotion. I think the most striking aspect of this bands material is the depth of emotion. This isn’t just a band going through the motions, they are a talent to behold. Which begs the question, why are they are not better known?
Each track is a beautiful example. There is such a wealth of material to work through here. The variety is perfect, yet you still feel like its the same project. Claustrum have an innate knack at shifting the across genres, whilst still keeping their idiosyncrasies and sound intact. During this five year period Claustrum really showed just how versatile and accomplished they were.
This is a varied and beautiful album that, I have to say, intrigues and beguiles as each track is heard. You are drawn in to each piece and that is where this album succeeds. Most "best of" compilation albums fail as the selection is always someone else’s choice. However this is put together like a new album, a fresh product. And it's is stunning.