Kraftwerk - Kraftwerk 2

Comparing 'Kraftwerk 2' to the group's self-titled debut, it discreetly shows a tiny drift towards the synthetic pattern many are more comfortable with. The opening number 'Klingklang' (a term which would later serve as their fifth 'accompaniment' in the wake of a recording studio), creates this beautiful repetitive sequence, singlehandedly informing the two of their crucial albums released by mid-seventies - 'Ralf und Florian' and most notably, 'Autobahn'.

However, it still remains a research rather than a seriously conceived, brushed album - 'Klingklang' itself being sort of 'multi-suite' clocked in well over 16 minutes, occasionally twisting in and out of regular rhythm speed which might either confuse or irritate the listener (especially if experienced on a standard long player).

'Atom' introduces with scary breathing processed heavily into the mix - simple, a bit formless, but still intriguing aural experience for the most patient. 'Strom' is the perfect example how Kraftwerk don't get intimidated by the avant-garde extremes - here the unusual electric guitar wall of sound is delivered, from a childishly naive doodling to Fleetwood Mac-like dreamscape. Here it is quite notable that Kraftwerk try out ideas, delivered by their then-former bandmates Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother on their own debut album as Neu!

'Spule 4' adds a flirt with the exotic, a bit nightmarish LSD-trip; still there is too much silence interrupted with intrumental fillers that albeit growing towards the end of the piece, get nowhere particular. Same goes for 'Wellenlaenge' - a bit of a tease more than something we would like to get back to, even though this particular piece provides a nice sketch to early morning atmosphere.

'Harmonika' on the other hand delivers a beautiful 'chamber music' effect - it sounds more like a harmonium from what is suggested by the title. If only it was a bit more processed through a tiny sound effect (let's say reverb or space echo)... still it is one of the album's truly fine and ear pleasing moments.

In all, 'Kraftwerk 2' seems lost between progress and noisy still lives. While the ideas, Ralf and Florian (along with Conny Plank) applying here, somehow extend this early minimalist approach of theirs - apart from a die-hard fan, to someone as curious to discover it, 'Kraftwerk 2' still offers little actual merit of things to come. Recommended and respectable on its own terms, but just as confused a document.

While it stands the test of time, like the debut, it also suffers for its overspreading art (genius).

Kraftwerk's third release (if you include the 'Tone Float' release under their previous incarnation 'Organisation'). By this time, the group had shrunk to a duo, consisting only of Ralf and Florian, most of the others forming Neu!. It's a very minimal release that may be disappointing to those who know of the group's later efforts. Most of the tracks don't really go anywhere, some minimal guitar strumming and picking, spare synth and flute; 'Atem' only consists of heavy inhaling and exhaling into the microphone.

The 'Klingklang' track is the highlight of the LP, as well as the longest, clocking in at over 17 minutes. Hints of what was to come are evident in the melodic bubbling synth arrangements held together by simple drum machine patterns. Some improvised treated flute nicely complements the track. It sounds a little like what Kraftwerk's offshoot contemporaries in Neu! were doing at the same time: simple looping harmonies and steady mid-tempo percussion. This track is also found in an edited version on their early Exceller8 compilation that compiles previously released material from 1971-1974.

It's too bad this Italian re-issue/bootleg doesn't have the original artwork. The original cover art depicted weird heiroglyphic designs against a tan background with the 'Kraftwerk' font in the upper left corner. This 'cone' thing is functional but boring.

My advice, pick this up if you're a completist or very open-minded. If you're expecting a more electronic sound, then start with the succeeding 'Ralf & Florian' and leave this one for the collectors.

KW 2 like its predecessor is compleatly instrumental, this (like the first one) probably won't appeal to Kraftwerks' core audience, you have to know Ralf & Florian were just a pair of German hippies having fun only it's sometimes hard to distinguish the difference between art or just noise. Like minimal? Atem (Breath) consist of nothing more than Schneiders' breathing into a mic with echo unit, If this ever were attempted again I would prefer the breathing sounds of Darth Vader Kling Klang (Ringing Sound) is undoubtedly the LPs centerpiece, this composition like strom and spule 4 sounds like its made from separatet pieces. For this and most of KWs early output co-producer Conny Plank deserves just as much credit and recognition as Ralf & Florian themselves.