Cosmic Hoffmann – Shiva connection

4 reviews for Cosmic Hoffmann – Shiva connection

1. 

   Perry Moree – 2022-11-22

   In 1999, Mind over Matter frontman Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock surprised the electronic music lovers with the sensational CD Beyond the Galaxy”. This instrumental album which he produced together with the sympathetic keyboard wizard Stephen Parsick contained a sort of electronic music which hasn’t been heard for many years: long compositions filled with fat sequencers and bubbling Mellotrons. Music

2. 

   © Mick Garlick / Sequences – 2022-11-22

   The master sorcerer Cosmic Hoffmann returns, ably assisted by his apprentice Stephen Parsick with a sequencer-filled treat for all you spaceheads out there. In comparison to its predecessor Beyond The Galaxy, this is a rather more bombastic affair with several tracks really shaking the foundations with big, booming sequences, there’s never been a better way to overload your mind! interstellar Rollercoaster’ is a prime example of this as, after an opening consisting of spooky guitar howls and abstract synth sounds amore melodic feel is created until WHAM! the sequencers arrive and pin you back in your seat, appearing from nowhere (which makes their arrival all the more effective!) and backedup by analog percussion. The synth lines reveal a middle Eastern feel before the trackreturns more towards the abstract realms from whence it came. Thereafter these motifs alternate with sequenced sections and gothic chords with Klaus’ famous Mellotron making its presence felt as the piece reaches its final stages. This piece was actually recorded in concert in Eaton (not THAT Eaton, one assumes!) and it must have been one intense concert as the other piece featured here from that performance Space Arbour is another attention grabber by dint of the dark and moody gothic chords that mark the early section of the piece, almost frightening in their intensity it comes as something of arelease when the track later settles down somewhat although the gothic feel permeates throughout the track as if The Phantom Of The Opera were composing something in one of his more light-hearted moments! It’s not all sequencers, though, as Lightstar Rising and A Few Miles Beyond Infinity (dating from 1977 & 1994 respectively) are both in the cosmic realms and are far more serene than anything else found on this album. The fact that the only truly cosmic pieces to be found here might suggest that Klaus has been rocking out big time over the past year and the two remaining pieces, Shiva Connection and Hi-Flyin Shiva, which open and close the album respectively seem to bear this out. Both relying on the same sequencer line, the former track especially bears a strong resemblance to Phaedra as the bass sequence emerges out of the ether of cosmic chords to take on a relentless, chugging feel as it gains greater clarity. Here, again, the feel becomes quite boneshaking, albeit to a lesser extent than the live tracks.Hi-Flyin’ Shiva sees a greater degree of variety in the melodies employed although the spacey feel is paramount throughout with an unmistakable analogue flavour until thesequencers eventually fade out leaving a writhing mass of chords which eventually depart, too, eaving silence in their wake. Whilst this will appeal to the retro-heads, Klaus’ individualway of composing will ensure that this is not seen as some attempt to emulate the 70s sound, it’s too distinctive for that to happen.

   2001. © Mick Garlick / Sequences

3. 

   © Phil Derby / Expos Magazine – 2022-11-22

   This is a great follow up to the equally excellent Beyond The Galaxy. Klaus Hoffman-Hoock is again joined by Stephen Parsick on several tracks, firmly in the realm of things Teutonic. Gentle bubbling sequencers pulse in the undercurrents of the title track, as flowing silky synthesizers melt into the soundscape. The pulse quickens and increases in intensity, then cascades back into soft floating space music. I don’t know how people like Hoffman keep making Berlin school fresh and invigorating,but Im glad for it. Next comes the 20-minute Interstellar Rollercoaster, with sublime atmospherics for several minutes. Bright shimmering tones languish in relaxed fashion. Several minutes into it, the roller coaster effect begins with quickly shuffling percussion-like sequencing and a fast-paced synth lead. This lasts only a few minutes, then delicate ambient textures take over again. Shiva Connection is more floating and surreal than its predecessor.Nary a sequencer or beat to be found on Lightstar Rising a wonderful piece of drift from Hoffmans archives, circa 1977. Space Arbour is equally atmospheric, but with more bite to it, as it sounds more dramatic and ominous than spacey. A few miles beyond Infinity sounds just like that, again suitable for outer space exploration. Hi-Flyin Shiva is a reinterpretation of sorts of the title track, bringing this terrific space journey full circle to its conclusion. Highly recommended.

   2001. © Phil Derby / Expos Magazine

4. 

   © Mathias Hrdin / Sweden – 2022-11-22

   I’ve listening to Cosmic Hoffmann‘s Shiva Connection”. I love the intro track “Shiva Connection”. It reminds me a little bit of Frank Mertens (former Alphaville) project “Maelstrom”.
   A very smooth relaxing Mellotron and Mini Moog sounds in a spacy atmosphere. It’s very far from his 7″ Weltraum Boogie… 😉 …the only thing I’ve heard about him before. The whole record have a strange