Mouse On Mars

Reviews

hhv.de mag - Review

Whether it’s Jorge Takei, Tolouse Low Trax, die Antilopen Gang or last but not least Stabil Elite: Music from Düsseldorf is the talk of town again. Everyone is talking about the creative output of the city on the Rhein that finally seems to have woken from the deep sleep it’s been in since its big time in the 1970s. It would be interesting to know what Andi Thoma and Jan St. Werner think about the hype: It can only be assumed that they can’t help but smirk. Since 1993, they have gained a worldwide reputation under their band’s name Mouse on Mars; until 1996, they had published nine records, earning them success and respect. However, after their collaboration with The Fall’s head Mark E. Smith under the name of Von Südenfeld in 2007, it all went quiet around the sound-explorers. Then, last year, they turned their backs on the long-standing Mouse on Mars headquarters in Düsseldorf and moved to Berlin. Before moving, Andi Thoma quickly produced a few »Todesmelodien« for Andreas Dorau and then they packed their suitcases, boxes and consoles. After having arrived in the capital, they soon started to work on their new record. The expectations were high, especially when news got out that Modeselektor’s Monkeytown Records would be releasing the album. Their last studio-record, »Varcharz«, had skillfully wobbled along, but a sound like that fits much better to Mike Patton’s Ipecac Records than to the bass-loaded institution with the monkey. Additionally, six years had passed by – so what could be expected? It’s all the more surprising that Mouse on Mars are fresh as ever: »Parastrophics« is an acid-soaked ride to hell and back through the world of electronic music, which could have easily been released just like this in the band’s earlier stages. Accordingly, their live show can turn stinky halls into shrill Raves, in which ecstasy is only the very first step on the way to utter madness. The beats are pumping and creaking, melodies are gliding and shimmering: the noise is given room. In addition, their companion and live-drummer Dodo Nkishi is as present as never before – this way, the focus on noise becomes well balanced so that the album gets its very own approachability. It might not be as approachable as »Radical Connector«, but after »Varcharz«, it’s a very enjoyable return.