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Ambient Review

Hans-Joachim Roedelius – Geradewohl

German electronic music pioneer Hans-Joachim Roedelius has an interesting history. Born in 1934 he was an unwilling member of the Hitler Youth (membership was compulsory for boys over ten) and was a child actor in Nazi propaganda films. After the war, finding himself trapped on the eastern side of the Berlin Wall, he was imprisoned for two years following an unsuccessful attempt to cross to the west. Eventually, he managed to escape into West Berlin and formed the Zodiak Free Arts Lab with Conrad Schnirtzler.

Roedlius’ musical career had group and solo phases. He has worked on collaborations with many artists including Brian Eno. His solo career has produced a vast output, between the years 2000 and 2001 alone he released an incredible eight albums. Now, in his late 70s, he continues to tour and produce music.

This track itself, released in 1980, has emotive sustained chords playing over an arpeggiated synth line. To ears brought up on House and Techno it is like a chilled Krautrock version of Mr Fingers Can You Feel It.