Search - Ashra :: New Age of the Earth

Excellent electronica

Jeffrey J.Park | Massachusetts, USA | 12/04/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is great electronica released in 1977 by former Ash Ra Temple/Cosmic Jokers guitarist Manuel Gottsching. The four pieces on the album range from the 5'46 Deep Distance to the epic, 21'50 Nightdust and are stylistically very similar to works by electronica giants Tangerine Dream, German composer Klaus Schulze, and French composer Jean Michel Jarre. Instrumentation consists predominantly of layers of analog synthesizers in addition to soft, electric guitar (Manuel uses clean tones exclusively). Percussion is not used on this album at all. Although a listing of synthesizers used was not provided with the CD, I (think) I hear an ARP Pro Soloist, the VCS 3, and various Moog synthesizers, along with a string synthesizer. The music on New Age of Earth is generally very sedate and reflective, with subtle melodies and rhythms surfacing from time to time. The compositions are structured such that a larger, more complex ensemble is intimated, with a throbbing, sequenced bass part underlying melodies and harmonies played on synthesizers with widely varying "tone colors". This combination of timbre and rhythm provides a great deal of interest. Overall, this is a wonderful recording and is highly recommended to all electronica fans. Other albums that might prove enjoyable include Timewind (Klaus Schulze, 1975), Rubycon (Tangerine Dream, 1975), and Oxygene (Jean Michel Jarre, 1976)."

Spectral Tapestry

Music Buff | 06/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An absolute necessity for those into the "synthetique" sounds of the Berlin School. Weaving a beautiful flow of synthesizer melodies with uneartly guitar riffs and electronic bird-like chirps, this recording was ground breaking when it was recorded back in 1976. Almost 30 years later, the music sounds just as fresh and innovative compared to the often less inspired, "plastic" key tinkling of current "new age" muzak. This recording is a musical journey wisking away the listener on a spectral tapestry of sounds. Excellent composition, arrangements, and production by Manuel Gottsching (aka ASHRA)."

Excellent, soothing chill-out music . . .

Rich Latta | Albuquerque, NM - Land of Entitlement | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These songs are almost entirely synth-based with some nice, mellow guitar. I'm pretty sure it was all done by Manuel Gottsching, formally of Ash Ra Temple. This album has also been released under the name Ash Ra Temple, but I don't really know the story behind that. The original German title is NEUZEIT DER ERDE. Tracks 1 and 3 have a bubbly, percolating sound running through them. I often program my player to play the more placid tracks 2 and 4 when I'm winding down for bed. In fact, when I worked a night shift, I religiously depended on these tracks to prepare for bed in the late morning. This is not to imply that this music is boring - not in the least. There are certainly many other ways to enjoy this music. That's just what works for me. This music is sophisticated and interesting enough to hear over and over. Unlike a certain reviewer below, I especially like the last track, particularly when the guitar finally makes an appearance toward the end.

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