Search - Johannes Schmoelling :: Wuivend Riet

Art orf vision

loteq | Regensburg | 02/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This keyboardist was a member of Germany's electronic pioneers Tangerine Dream in the early-'80s. "Wuivend riet" is Johannes Schmoelling's first and, overall, best solo album. Still, this record neither is as melodic as "Exit" or "Optical race" nor as consistent as "Phaedra" or "Tangram". The first four tracks are lofty compositions with ethereal synth waves, piano-driven melodies, and slow-motion rhythms. "Zeit" with its tension-filled atmosphere and relentlessly ticking clocks is the only track reminiscent of TD. "Wuivend riet part 1" is a funny soundscape with samples frogs and other natural sounds. "Part 2" is an interesting, droning nightmare, but uncomfortable and hardly accessible. All in all, a surprisingly diverse album which transcends the borders of conventional synth-based music. For advanced listeners. For other albums by Schmoelling, search classical at amazon.com and read my review of "The zoo of tranquility"."

First 4 songs are better than anything TD ever did

loteq | 08/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's been said with much authority that Schmoelling is the one TD member who brought lasting quality to the work of the group. His melodies are the strength of not only their soundtrack days but also the force of their powerful 1980's tunes.This album's first 4 songs are better than anything Tangerine Dream did prior to his arrival in the band. If you like TD and don't have this album, I highly recommend it."

A must for every electronic music fan!

S. Schweinfurt | 06/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is not easy to come out of the shadow of a great band. But Johannes Schmoelling got it with his first(!) solo release! Here you can hear who was responsible for the big success of TANGERINE DREAM during the 80ies!"