Re-defining ambient music
loteq | Regensburg | 01/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Fm. II" was Main's first fully realized ambient album. Main didn't fit into any category even then, but all their previous releases carried some rock elements, which means guitar riffs, bass lines and some accompanying rhythms. "Fm. II" consists of two very long tracks which are called "IX" and "X". Metallic noises and a hundred of other indefinable sounds swirl together into hyperactive sonic landscapes. Of the two tracks, "IX" is the more interesting one because the texture change quite often. There's even a very melodic and beautiful part with this piece, and a hypnotic ringing that sounds like a little cow bell. It's truly very original and pioneering music because it lacks the boredom of many other ambient records. Music for people who can't stay calm even when they're sleeping. Brian Eno's work in the late-'70s was o.k., but "Fm. II" is definetely two steps ahead!Here's my Main rating (referring to UK releases):5 stars: Firm. II, Hz, Deliquescence, Dry stone feed (EP)4 stars: Firm. I (EP), Hydra-Calm, Ligature (Remix EP) 3 stars: Motion pool, Firm. III & IV"