Kranemann + Pharmakustik — Electric Fluxus
Long time experimental/electronic artists Eberhard Kranemann (ex-Kraftwerk, Neu!, Pissoff, Fritz Müller) and Siegmar Fricke (Pharmakustik) came together for Electric Fluxus, a wonderful, electronic trip through a fractured soundscape. Constructed from electric cello, guitar, and various electronics, the two, long-form tracks here cover a lot of distorted and somewhat noisy ground. An album that grows deeper with each successive listen, Electric Fluxus shows how even after nearly 50 years in the game, new ground can be reached.
Opening with a long, distant warbling, like the wind on an eerie night, side A slowly maneuvers its way to the listener like a phantom. Sweeping moments of intensity gradually build into a full-on atmosphere and the piece continues to drive, whirl, and entrance for the remainder of the 21-minute run time. While in some aspects very earthy and tangible, Electric Fluxus also has an alien, electronic feel to it, which makes sense knowing how it was composed. Not only were electric cello and guitar used, Fricke has been immersed in the musique concrète scene for over forty years. The two work very well together, and all the aspects put on display are allowed their time to speak to the listener before giving way to other sounds and textures. Many of the elements and feelings make the transfer between album sides, but the second half has a bit more of a heavy, menacing feel. And despite the bright, graffiti-influenced cover, Electric Fluxus plays more like an alien horror movie. But, as with all art, the message only exists in the mind of the listener. Someone that isn't as into grimness and creep value may find something completely different hidden within the layers.
Limited to 150 copies, Electric Fluxus by Kranemann + Pharmakustik is an engaging and lengthy listen. And, despite the track lengths, the time seems to fly by as one becomes more and more immersed in this electro-acoustic world. With something new to discover upon each successive spin, the album continues to grow and entrance the listener with its many layers and textures. Drop-in here to get a copy