March 15, 1999

Fantasy

Wherein we get to experience yet more esoteric twinkles from the netherworld of Teutonic after-rock....

8 / 10 Wherein we get to experience yet more esoteric twinkles from the netherworld of Teutonic after-rock. 'Fantasy' is Couch's third album of elegant, electronically enhanced analogue instrumentals; taking us on a journey of warmth and depth without the utterance of a word.

In fact they do this naturally and effortlessly throughout all nine compositions. Like label buddies Kante, Couch have grasped that the trick lies in approaching this avant-jazz thing without trying to alter the course of human nature, without trying to avoid the universal themes and universal feelings that underpin all brilliant music - a stumbling block for many experimentalists in their quest for newness.

So, where opener 'Ich Bei Davor' has an infectious, knowing smile on its face: all sunny-side-up chimes and chatter, the David Pajo-esque 'Nah Dran' is a snapshot of beautifully melancholic resignation. But it's the meandering, heaven-sent 'Heimweg 78' that touches the most sensual bases: like a long train journey when you're sad.

Couch may not warm to the term but with product this compelling, organic post-rock is in very safe hands indeed.