Sun Lounge Debris

Centrozoon makes for a slightly different German electronic duo of the early 21st century, given that one member, Markus Reuter, plays guitar and the other, Bernhard Wöstheinrich, handles synth and very occasional drum work. That said, the lineup is almost that of Neu! in ways, though on Sun Lounge Debris the twosome isn't as much interested in motorik-inspired chug as the air in the possibilities of leaving the earth behind. Consisting of six tracks recorded in a live-in-studio session on a day's worth of recording, Sun Lounge Debris finds a comfortable place in ambient-inspired depths, with slowly progressing songs that unfold with layers of haunting, lovely drones that sound like soft sighs. "In Sable Orbit" is as core a track as any for the album, ten minutes of simply gorgeous yet dark and mysterious tones and processed loops that sound like they should soundtrack desert landscapes at midnight. Reuter's guitar playing revolves around the Touch Guitar, an elaborate instrument favored by the likes of Trey Gunn from King Crimson; there are definite hints of prog-tinged exploration throughout, with occasional solos that are blissed out and technically skilled while avoiding showboat wank. Reuter's a very deliberate player, and his skill at creating loops out of his performances establishes the shade and beautiful texture of the pieces. Wöstheinrich's work is subtle throughout, providing low-key accompaniment and melody to the performances, working in gentle sync with Reuter. Opening cut "Harvest Girls" is arguably the highlight of the album, nearly 14 minutes' worth of elaborate exploration that wouldn't sound out of place on Robert Fripp's various collaborations throughout the '80s and '90s. The more restrained "This One Will Please You" gets its amusing flip side with "This One Won't Please You," which is a touch darker, to be sure, but by no means any sort of disturbing room-clearer.