Einsturzende Neubauten

Ende Neu (Nothing)
by Lex Marburger

1983 – Born in a literal explosion of fire & metal,Einstürzende Neubauten, according to banshee-whistle-screaming front man, Blixa Bargeld, were “destroying popular musical forms to create something new.” Using broken glass, fire, machine parts & jackhammers, E.N. strove for the sound of ideological immolation and helped give rise to “industrial” music.

But pop has a way of adapting. Only a few years later, Depeche Mode sampled E.N.’s noise and made a mint while E.N., satisfied with their destruction, began to remold pop music in their own image. They even recorded a jingle for Jordache Jeans. Sixteen years later, E.N.’s original recordings, while still disturbing, are understood by most listeners.

Now older, wiser figures filled out from lack of speed (or “vitamins” as they used to be referred) E.N. continues to head in their own direction. Whereas now “industrial” music is full of guitars, computers, and guys who care more about make-up than music (Hello, Brian Warner!) E.N. still gets their hands dirty. But with the release of Ende Neu, it’s obvious they weren’t destroying out of hate, but like they have said, they needed to make room for what they wanted to make.

What we have on Ende Neu is a kinder, gentler E.N.. Yes, they still list such instruments as “amplified bass spring,” “chain,” “pencil and paper” and “electric drill” as well as the omnipresent bass. But this time around, a string section and a Hammond organ get mention.

The songs are airy, light (“Was Ist Ist” being a track assuming action & ferocity), and creepy. The centerpiece of Ende Neu is “NNN AAA MMM,” a good-natured (!) chant of “New No New Aged Advanced Ambient Motor Music Machine.” Pieced around that is a shambling, clanking, eleven-minute mass of a song with Blixa chuckling, “Let’s turn on… The utopian side grinder.” Vaguely symphonic, Ende Neu marks a point in E.N.’s career; one that has the world finally catching up.
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