This new recording from experimentalists Pinhas and Rough consists of two 20-minute tracks of guitar, synth, and percussion. As expected, Pinhas is on guitar. Rough plays “other instruments” which likely include keyboards and processing. Ren Karlmann guests on drums.
The gist of End of the Line is ambiance, guitar jams, and Berlin School rhythms, which add up to a trance-inducing psychedelic experience. The drums and percussion exhibit repetitive patterns while Pinhas holds distorted, long notes and manipulates feedback in addition to soloing. The overall feel falls short of techno yet the abstractions have a familiarity and beat that is likely to appeal broadly.
Given that, my first impression was that this might not be one of Pinhas’s strongest efforts. But with a few listens the lilting grooves got to me. End of the Line is not the best place to start with someone who is referred to as the Father of French Electronic Music, yet is a compelling and enjoyable effort that shows a different side of his character.
The album will be released on April 20 by Bam Balam Records.
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