Some bands shy away from their influences but Geoff Barrow’s other project Beak> have embraced them constructing their own formula for the fascinating experimental music that interests them. The record lurches into action with eerie opener “The Gaol” with synths spinning around like a broken siren. Whilst “Spinning Top” furthers the atmospheric experience with the track jolting along, with Barrow’s indecipherable voice drowning in the entrancing noise. “Wulfstan II” explodes out of the trancelike surrounding tracks, with a piercing bass line that pulsates into a 7 minute classic. Beak> have mastered their influences but unfortunately have not developed their beloved Kratrock genre with revolutionary ideas.
In the music world today a lack of innovation is seen as unadventurous, but is a lack of innovation really the unexpected adventurous option? Who knows and who cares when you have a record like this that oozes a love of a genre and offers a dynamic exciting listen. In a time when 90’s alt rock revival is in full blossom, a hypnotic drive back down the autobahn to a Krautrock inspired sound is most welcome!
7.5/10
