Augenwischwaldmoppgeflöte / Augenwischwaldmoppgeflote

After gaining a bit more notice in electronic circles with Spacerockmountainrutschquatier, Schlammpeitziger released Augenwischwaldmoppgefloete to little notice in late 2000. The record owes some of its anonymity to a slight dip in quality; it's not quite as warm or bouncy as Spacerockmountainrutschquatier, nor as atmospheric as Erdrauchharnschleck. It's an uneven record that touches on everything Schlammpeitziger does well with slightly fewer memorable tracks. The bubbly video game pop of "Konfliktfickfahg" isn't as melodic as it could be, and the darker shadings of "Schlafatemwagen" lack drama. Still, for those enamored of Schlammpeitziger's quirky world, there are joys to be had. The sunny, upbeat "Quietschquanklaute" is given pep by some downright adorable drumming from a cheap keyboard, and "Carbidboybeule" is wildly successful as spacy German electro-pop from the disco age. A strong sense of missed opportunity emerges with the tragically brief "Ackerpeller" tracks that close both sides of the vinyl. These eerie, yearning, electronic melodies cry out to be extended and explored, but each fades after about a minute. This sense of possibility mixed with disappointment sums up the album well.