['ramp] - Looking Back In Anger: A Decade Of Misfits 1996 – 2006 FLAC

RAMP’s musical journey has been a long and convoluted one, as evidenced by the diverse material on this collection of outtakes and alternative mixes. “The Warsaw Disaster” is typical of their early period, a classic Teutonic offering, particularly the latter half which sounds awfully similar to Tangerine Dream’s “Logos” from 1982. “Sakrileg Am Mitta (High Noon Edit)” is another early recording, but one which hints at the dark road [‘ramp] was later to take, with eerie vocal samples and dark choirs, very Schulze like once it gets going. “Generatorenkonflikt” features guest musician Stefan Kraft on rhythm programming and processing, giving it a much harder, synthetic feel than usual [‘ramp] outings. The tribal-tinged “Tribejagd” has its moments, showing a unique take on the [‘ramp] sound, although Martina Beine’s vocals alternate between enhancing and detracting. The metallic sequencing of “What is the Point of Eating Concrete?” reamins a winner in this updated version, courtesy of some reworking in the studio by Stephen. The title track is the band’s 1999 finale at the 6th Alfa Centauri Festival. A long slow build up of energy is unleashed at the end, wherein the synths do seem almost angry at being played so intensely. Next is an outtake from the [‘ramp] collaboration with Markus Reuter called Ceasing To Exist (see review this issue). My favorite track on the disc is easily “Scissors (Short and Painful Edit).” [‘ramp] is at their best when they combine their Berlin school and dark ambient leanings into one package, as they did throughout their fantastic Oughtibridge release. This is a great track up there with the best that Node and Redshift have done – and of course [‘ramp]. The last bit is a brief oddity that emphasizes the disjointed nature of this collection. Mine it for the gems you like best. (Phil Derby / electroambientspace.com)