Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock & Fassbender – Heartbeat

2 reviews for Klaus Hoffmann-Hoock & Fassbender – Heartbeat

1. 

   Perry Moree – 2022-11-22

   Next to the releases under the names Mind over Matter, Cosmic Hoffmann and, recently, Mindala, there is even a fourth incarnation” (it looks like an episode from The X-Files) in the brain behind these three bands

2. 

   Phil Derby / Sequences Magazine – 2022-11-22

   An earthy cover with a strange hybrid photo greets the holder of this CD. I’m very familiar with Klaus excellent work, under the names Cosmic Hoffman and Mind Over Matter, as well as his strong support to other electronic musicians such as Ron Boots and Stephen Parsick. Though Hoffman-Hoocks music often has a dreamy quality, he usually employs strong rhythmic elements as well. Such is not the case in this largely quiet music, perhaps the influence of musical companion Fassbender, with whom I’m not at all acquainted. For the first several minutes, a low muted heartbeat is joined by sort of retro-sounding Mellotron and such. Strings assert themselves just prior to the 8:00 mark, lending a more dramatic, symphonic quality, but only for a moment. This is followed by a mini-collage of various sounds, then more soft drifting. Eventually, it settles almost into classical mode, with gentle echoes of piano against a minimal atmospheric backdrop. An odd clicking sounds flitters about in the background as well. The music manages to be unassuming and challenging at the same time. It defies categorization as ambient, Berlin school, or classical, yet there are elements of all three and more. The emphasis is on soft textures, occasional melody, even bravado at times, such as the crashing cymbals 22 minutes into part one. This part ends with strange alien underwater sounds, a spooky but very interesting finish. If part one showed restraint for 30 minutes, part two is 22 minutes of bolder combinations of seemingly different elements, though it remains relaxed and mostly quiet. Mellotron strings again permeate. Light tribal sounds like wood blocks and such bounce around. Sometimes, it sounds as though Klaus and Hans are exploring, trying to find their way, but such is the nature of spontaneous improvisation,and the results are largely successful and soothing. Recommended.

   2001. Phil Derby / Sequences Magazine