EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN
BERLIN BABYLON
SOUNDTRACK ALBUM EGO RELEASE: AUGUST, 2001 REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 1, 2001

In my world, Einstürzende Neubauten are so important that a neon sign with their name on it is constantly lit in my mind. So quite naturally, every new release by them is a major event. Or at least so I'd hope. Because this, their soundtrack to German film "Berlin Babylon" is a bit of an anti-climax. Mostly due to the fact that about half of it consists of variations of "Die Befindlichkeit des andes", the majestic centrepiece from last year's "Silence Is Sexy". And if you, like me, have spent the last year playing it time and time again, it doesn't really break much new ground hearing the percussion, guitar, melodies and other bits and pieces turn up all over the place.
But since this is Einstürzende Neubauten, there are moments to compensate for that. "Architektur ist Geiselnahme" is a new vocal track, really fairly simple but still with the power to turn my head upside down. The repetitive bassline, percussive glory and Blixa Bargeld's soft voice add up to magic. Just like they should. "Gästeliste" is also impressive, with its dramatic piano juxtaposed with metal beating.
But those of you who aren't hardcore fans, I advise to save your money for the new, third installation in the "Strategies against Architecture" compilation series.

KRISTOFFER NOHEDEN