Tag Archives: Fred und Luna

Switched On – Various Artists: Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 – Compiled by Fred und Luna (Compost)

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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Compost Records write: “Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna sadly passed away in January 2024 after a long illness. He was a kind-hearted person, gifted artist, friend and companion. We mourn him deeply. A few days before his death, Rainer Buchmüller had sent us the track listing for Vol. 3 (and already ideas for Vol. 4), with the request to publish this posthumously, he would be very happy if his fans and all those who will be would receive a “sign of life” from him.

The tracks are all German – of course – and are drawn from the 1970s and 1980s, and Buchmüller builds on the first two volumes of the series with a third that pushes the envelope of ‘krauty’ elements still further.

What’s the music like?

This compilation is a lot of fun, the chosen tracks displaying invention, wit, charm and enough rhythmic drive to get any stubborn dancefloor on the move.

The highlights are many, beginning with Christian Nainggolan’s Nachtraucher, a really good percussive heavyweight. The grooves are infectious, no more so than on Die Wilde Jagd’s Austerlitz, an excellent, sabre tooth groove. Water Map, a Fred und Luna collaboration with Organza Ray, is a propulsive winner, with its bubbling bass, spoken word and shady trumpet.

Sula Bassana’s Space Taxi is suitably cosmic, while Die Orangen’s Lost In The Center harks back to a slow 80s electro boomer. Meine Muse, from Philipp Johann Thimm, is ghostly, while Puma & The Dolphin’s Nuances is excellent, typifying the original rhythms and humour running through this compilation.

Does it all work?

It does – a wide variety of styles and approaches make this a consistently rewarding compilation.

Is it recommended?

It is. Rainer Buchmüller had very sound instincts when it came to choosing a compilation, and this third volume of Future Sounds of Kraut complements the first two beautifully. Make sure you catch all three!

Listen / Buy

Published post no.2,447 – Sunday 16 February 2025

Switched On – Various Artists: Future Sounds Of Kraut Vol. 2 – Compiled by Fred und Luna (Compost)

Posted on by
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by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

A shadow hangs over the release of this compilation, the second in Compost’s exploration of Kraut. It was compiled by Fred und Luna, the muses of musician, author and photo/film maker Rainer Buchmüller – who calls his music either Elektrokraut or Krautelektro.

Very sadly Buchmüller passed away on February 8th 2024, and Compost issued this tribute: “We are deeply saddened that we lost a very close friend, a true creative musician, artist, poet, soulmate and beloved human being with a great sense of humour. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna died after a long carcinosis. Our thoughts and prayers in these days of mourning are with his wife and family. Rainer Buchmüller aka Fred und Luna has made several albums, first one on Frank Wiedemann’s Bigamo label, then three albums plus several Maxi – Singles and 7 inches on Compost Records and Elaste Records. Rainer had several alter egos, too. Under his Fred und Luna moniker he recently compiled the highly acclaimed “Future Sounds Of Kraut” compilation series for Compost. Rainer also wrote circa 120 poems in the vein of Ernst Jandl, Dada, Kurt Schwitters. Rainer, we love you! R.I.P.”

What’s the music like?

Buchmüller has left us an extremely enjoyable compilation, framed by his own Intro and Outro, and featuring the Kraftwerk-influenced electronica of Monotonikum from 2016 in the middle. The tone is friendly, the intro asking, “Future sounds of Kraut…what’s it all about?” before moving into Sankt Otten’s warm-hearted Angekommen In Der Letzten Reihe.

There are some notable contributions from Roman Flügel, whose Rules is a typically intricate mix of riffs and creative drum work, and Thomas Fehlmann, the spacey Permanent Touch. Other highlights include the glittery electro of Ghost Power’s Vertical Section, the colourful swirls of Gilgamesh Mata Hari Duo’s Johan, and the bossa beat that backs a brooding soundscape in I:Cube’s Basso. Lucas Croon’s Krautwickel has a really strong forward drive and shuffling drum track, a classic piece of Krautrock, while Sordid Sound System’s It’s About Time bounces around the stereo picture, a low-slung groove.

Does it all work?

Almost all – the only possible exception being Minami Deutsch’s Your Pulse, whose breathing can be off-putting and will likely divide opinion.

Is it recommended?

It is, enthusiastically. Future Sounds of Kraut Vol.2 is packed with good music, and its release is the best possible way to honour Buchmüller in the sad news of his passing.

Listen & Buy

Published post no.2,109 – Wednesday 6 March 2024