Special Feature about TIMEBASE / TEMPS PERDU? for Sequences [UK] issue 17-1997 Article and reviews by Mick Garlick

Based in Düsseldorf Germany this French / German Duo came together in 1987, Dirk and Catherine Grützmann who go under the name of Temps Perdu? play an array of digital and anlogue synthesizers, plus assorted world instruments. Samples taken from their extensive global travels have led them to bring many cultures on earth into their music, giving an inspiration timeless feel, full of the strong influences gained.

Since 1993 have brought us two Temps Perdu? albums of on their Timebase label, with two international compilations of ambient, tribal, ethno space music crossing world cultures ancient and modern, to create music of such earthly tones, be it the beautiful enigmatic atmospheres to the other darker mysterious strains. We now take a journey into their world which stirs the soul and mind to a greater understanding within the vast ocean of space.

TEMPS PERDU? [Athanor] [Time 1] From a band that comes from Düsseldorf Germany I was expecting maybe a German sound or a more thythmical score, but surprisingly this is a brooding album carefully crafted, there´s a lot happenning, the tools are electronic and acoustic instruments many producing a powerful ethnic sound. Don´t expect a Deep Forest or Enigma type musical makeup this goes beyond these. Each track seems to flow effortlessly which are strange and disturbing, magical unearthly tones and cries bring the catacombs of the deep to the surface, sacrifical hymns that play on the senses, inducing trance like states. Modern technology never sounding so alive before, give an organic feel to the music creating that special atmosphere were mythical gods and demons roam a ravaged world... I´m only scratching the surface when I listen to this album underpinned by its haunting mysterious energy that´s simply quite unique, some might say very adventurous and avant garde. All aspects of „Athanor“ are spiritual in a way to bring cultures of the world together in a mighty, awesome display of self belief. This brings me to understand that cross cultured music as we have hear, can do far more than any political state can imagine in totally engrossing way. If like me your a dreamer and a soul searcher I can´t think of any better way than to immerse yourself in the sounds of Temps Perdu.

TEMPS PERDU? [Terra Incognita] [Time 3] Temps Perdu yet again display all the vigour and mysterious nuances so evident on „Athanor“: and waits your exploration. This album is more about atmospheres and subtleties of the sound, full of stark contrasts with a richness bordering on the sublime. This is daring electronics building from a tranquil silence to a tension filled void constantly shifting as if they are searching for another place beyond this world. The use of technology and complex percussion brings us to synthesised realms quite compelling, rather than use only western sounds, the world music gives strong excursions into the unknown, another time, another dimension. Reality is in the eye of the beholder, unusual touches of manipulated samples linger in the mind offering a colourful yet distribing side, innovated and multi-faceted. Obviously one has to draw on comparisons with the likes of Robert Rich, Steve Roach, Vidna Obmana for a similar outlook in style. All capture the spirit within their music, and Temps Perdu especially have this knack to really put you in to a imaginary scene which is amazingly tense and yet quite beautiful.

TWILIGHT EARTH [international soirée] [second international soirée] [Time 2 / 4] Two compilation CDs from Timebase, and the icing on the cake here is the gathering of a host of well respected ambient, ethnic, world musicians from another dimension. Steve Roach, Robert Rich, Vidna Obmana, Solitaire. Mathias Grassow, Temps Perdu?; and many more not instantly recogniseable. The mood as you would expect is one of quiet nuances gathering sonic waves of unearthly sound. Special mention must go to those who myself have never heard of. Stratosphere with a cosmic mist of heavenly sounds, the drones of middle earth resonating strung along on waves to the edge of forever. The more haunting ethno influence from Uv Cet A, a more darker affair with gliding flute tones. Todd Fletcher whose hands of time chart a mystical beginning, glistening in the cavenous depths, echoing their rich icy sequences and audible ecstacy. Dino Oon & Konrad Kraft; bring the clatter of giant insects swelling amongst the drones from another world, moving all that stand in their way, ghostly voices murmur in the twilight zone.

Call of the gods hails Voice of Eye, a hideous voice from some demented grotesque alien speaks to it’s captives, you hear their moans and cries, these tortured souls banished in a universal vaccum of everlasting nights.

Human Flesh and Tuu breath a new beginning, the former with its harmonious musical score, wind and string instruments bringing lifeforms together, the latter pierces way for your exploration, a greater compassion reveals itself in solemn mood, the voice sounds troubled in a perilous land trying to communicate.

Bringing you down more to earth, the music present here, not only from the established artists, could be classed as an ambient/ethno outing, resembling a dark radiance of complex bundles, in the deeply woven threads of hyperspace and is for all you interstellar mariners. A fascinating label then from a duo whose spirit and soul gives inspirational, entrancing sounds with a certain spontaneous feel. Just relax, let the mind wander through the music, and you too can become a time traveller through space and beyond. Take it from me, all here are masters in their own right for earth/space music, leaving impressionable soundscapes.