Customer Reviews

Palast der Republik

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In 2004, pioneering German percussive avante group Einsturzende Neubauten performed an inspired set within (and indeed ON) the now-defunct Parliament building in former East Germany. From the orchestral ambience of 'Armenia' to the dynamic din of the soulfully powerful 'Perpetuum Mobile', from the sedate, tuneful 'Youme & Meyou' to the 100-member choir-driven 'Was Ist Ist', Neubauten craft another memorable chapter in their rich 25+ year legacy. Predating the gimmicky novelty acts Stomp and Blue Man Group by well over a decade, Neubauten's use of junk percussion & found instruments was a revelation, and their earlier abrasive sounds (admittedly repellent to many) has given way to a lovely and elegant (though still edgy) sense of melody and harmony. The group's use of space and silence in their compositions opens up new areas of sound-play amidst the cacophony. Frontman Blixa Bargeld has learned a few tricks from his side-stint in Nick Cave's Bad Seeds and leads the group with a very human soul, a sliver of real emotion in a world of automatonic gadgetry and clinical coldness. This DVD captures the group in a potent 5.1 surround mix and multiple cameras for a truly captivating experience. Full recommendation for those who have an ear towards the unusual.

I had fallen out of touch with these guys for years now, until a friend emailed me a link to a new music vid they produced (the one with recreations of Luigi Rusollo's "noise intoners" cranked in the background, and the gal with the megaphone). So I figured I'd better check up on what they've done since the early days. I was pleasantly surprised, the music is great, the quality of the picture is great as well, this is well worth it. Now that is a concert I'd like to have seen live...