Translated to English, Kammerflimmer Kollektief refers to a disease known to induce irregular heartbeats. And after one listen to 2001’s recently expanded and reissued Hysteria, it is easy to hear why: each track is composed of a disjointed collection of laptop clicks and cuts, squeaks of brass, synthesizer drones, samples, and a flurry of stringed instruments in order to elicit a pervading feeling of eclectic abnormality.
In fact, each of Hysteria’s eight tracks has a distinct, found, sound quality to it, as if each jazz-inflected rhythm or sweeping keyboard line was gathered from a different era, genre, and time altogether. On first listen, this characteristic seems to be Kammerflimmer Kollektief’s most admirable sonic trait, as their ability to mend their palpable German heritage with an unlimited scope of synthetic and organic instruments fuels the impulsive, interlocking, freeform rhythmic explosions that comprise much of Hysteria.
Time and place, methods and means seem to be completely arbitrary to Kammerflimmer Kollektief as this now six-piece collective recalls and reinvigorates every artist from Can and Faust, to DJ Spooky and Four Tet. Despite however displaced their scattered influences may lie, it also hinders Hysteria, as much of the music, although initially compelling and interesting, dulls itself through mindless repetition. Many of the songs lead nowhere and propel into nothingness.
Had Hysteria been Kammerflimmer Kollektief’s debut release, I would leave this album with a sense of intrigue and potential; since this is their fourth release, I can’t help thinking they may have run out of ideas and cured the irregularity and unpredictability of the disease their moniker hints at.
1. Hysteria
2. Seen (Not Seen)
3. Engel Wacht
4. Auguri, Auguri
5. Du Siehst Hoch; Du Siehst "Wolken"
6. Zikaden, Vielleicht
7. Mohn!
8. Du Siehst Hoch; Du Siehst "Wolken" (Version)