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.
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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