Dunst: Archimedes Waffen

Initially released in 2011, Archimedes Waffen was actually the last stand of German Stoner, Psych, Space, KrautRock outfit Dunst; the band splitting not long after its release on CD-R. However in the belief that what this outfit produced was too good to go largely unnoticed, Electric Magic records have not only seen fit to remaster and re-release this almost jammed selection of sounds, they've done so on the format they see as most fitting for what Dunst created, namely vinyl.

Now while I'm a vinyl junkie and I also agree that the decidedly vintage 60s and 70s sounds traversed on this album would feel hugely at home on a big slab of the black stuff (even if it was a CD I was sent for review…booo!), there is a down side. As we all know vinyl was and still is limited by the amount of music that can properly be etched into it, so from the original CD-R release, gone are an album "Intro" and "Outro", while the ten minute "Vincent Raven" is completely omitted.

However those really are the only complaints, with the almost completely instrumental shenanigans presented here captivating, challenging and hugely involving in a swirling round your head until you become disorientated kind of way. This is, as they used to say "a trip", yet even though there's a freeformness to much of what is presented, you know this is crafted work that only feels so hypnotically loose because Dunst wanted you under their spell. Side A sets the scene, "Kincha King" slowly waking like a mythical beast from its slumber, before, as the intensity grows, you realise this monster is as liable to caress you, as it is crush. Middle Eastern flavours cascade into thick rhythms and busy drums; meandering passages always sounding pointed and focused. The title track eases off slightly, an even more patient bent veering dangerously close to torpor before organ sounds and a sprightly guitar lick introduce a gargantuan groove that holds the attention. Although "We Can Try To Play Or We Can Try" does begin to lose its grip as the snare rattle bleeds through the guitars and for the first time, something less vital is revealed.

The three tracks on Side B however is where the danger occurs, a Jazzy overtone sliding dangerously close to Stoner sludge. Some will love "Dhimahi Prachodayat" as is slithers by, others will wonder when preamble will turn into song - and then it ends. While the ten minute-plus of "Agathe & Saturnia" does threaten to buckle under its own weight, before rising confidently and with authority to become possibly the most memorable of the six tracks this record contains.

Possibly too loose and unrestrained for some to fully appreciate, the joy of Dunst actually derives from the constant suggestion that what comes next might just push you and Archimedes Waffen over the edge. For Stoner fans with a strong eye on Psych with a hint of KrautRock, this album will become a welcome and long term friend, especially if they've had the foresight to keep their record deck in good working order. For as Electric Magic hoped, it is the vintage aspect that makes this album work in the persuasive manner it undoubtedly does.

Track Listing
Side A
1. Kincha King
2. Archimedes Waffen
3. We Can Try To Play Like Or We Can Try

Side B
1. Dhimahi Prachodayat
2. Hammerhigh
3. Agathe & Saturnia

Added: August 30th 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Electric Magic Records
Hits: 1697
Language: english

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