Gas – Narkopop

Buyer beware. Package contains two copies of disc #2 and disc #3 is missing. Both Kompakt and Forced Exposure distributor are unwilling to send replacements.

After a few years to relate to this album in comparison to the older and newer GAS albums, I would say this album is the final goodbye to the original GAS fanbase. It's the last of the series that holds true to Zauberberg - Pop. It is minimal in comparison to the newer stuff, it also has a clearer sense of 'melody' on a lot of the tracks - I use this term loosely. The kick drum feels right out of the same palette as well as the orchestral elements. IMO a very fitting and beautiful ending to an amazing phase of GAS.

Which brings me to the new phase, one I very much appreciate. It feels like Voigt is doing something similar to the Caretaker - Everywhere, An Empty Bliss. In which his GAS project is becoming more dense, noise oriented, complex and almost confusing. Yet very rewarding if you can get past the high pitched beeps.

I really like the heaviness of Untitled 10, the other tracks are ok. The Vinyl Pressing is beautiful too.

After his monumental “Gas Box” release last year, Wolfgang Voigt to my surprise chose to revitalise his GAS moniker. Those of you familiar with the name will its place as one of electronic music’s pioneers. Suitable for both dancefloors and baroque living rooms, GAS is providing a warm, dark atmosphere where you are able to shut all your troubles away. His recurring theme of slow, pulsating, living ambience is one of my most vivid memories of the time when I first discovered electronic music.

Further sculpting the sound from his “Pop” release, this album starts out as a gentle whisper of dark feelings. But already on the second track(They don’t have names) the slow, heartbeat-like pulse is present. Slowly evolving, introducing elements of strings, flute, and that synth sound which Wolfgang is famous for. As the second track is ending, I can hear traces of the “Koenigsforst” with it’s horn-like sound alternating between two notes.

“Narcopop 3” is more ambient related than the rest of the tracks, starting out with drones and synth. Gone is the beat, replaced by a shimmering glow that I havent really heard in any other GAS releases. This continues until the fifth instalment on the album.

“Nacopop 5” starts off with heavy beats which sounds like a pump or train is starting. Son enough they are accompanied by a variant on the theme from the first track. Overtones of bright light illuminates the piece after a while, lifting it above the overall dark and somnious theme.

The sixth track on the album introduces piano to the mix. A calm melody is heard, while the waves of drone are providing a background that reminds me of space noise. Number 7 is using my favourite GAS feature; a warm drone mix which is being pummeled quiet by beats. It feels like my heart is punding, and I am running in thin air. With every heartbeat, the sound is muffeled, but each time it returns with increasing strenght. I am happy that he chose to make this songs so long, and I can enjoy the sensation for over 9 minutes.

“Narcopop 8” is similar in sound as the longest “Koenigsfurst” track, like a never-ending run in the forest, with noone else around. While the appearance increases, the sound turns darker. About halfway through, another sound of vibrating keys are added. The theme changes slowly, returning to the first movement, before fading away near the end.

The ninth installment is similar to the previous, but returns slightly to the palette on the first track. An unnerving, pulsating symphony. When the last track starts, we are once again reminded of the darkness that this project stems from. A deep, low pulse accompanied by equally dark vibrating synth keys. It’s his longest piece yet, spanning the entirety of the last side. There is a recurring piece of what seems like an obo-like instrument playing. It adds to the hypnotic state that I’m finding myself in when I am listening to this track. In my humble opinion, this is his finest hour.

A quality album that will gain appreciation as the years go by and the filler music sinks into oblivion.

Got a replacement copy through Amazon. Both had issues, but combining the best elements between the two copies I now have a perfect vinyl/book set. The aforementioned issues included visible dimples on the vinyl which caused pops, and the art book coming unglued. Definitely buy from a place with a good return policy.

It took me a while to get into this album digitally due to the mixing - you really needed to crank it to get that bass the keeps the album moving. The pressing is lush and brings out a lot that low-end depth to tracks like Narkopop 2. It was a pleasant surprise to find the vinyl mix flows seamlessly between tracks on each side like the continuous mix available digitally. This is an immersive experience. The bonus track is a satisfying epilogue.

won't say I enjoyed it. then again I didn't buy it and (GAS warriors please don't cut my ears) haven't listened to every minute of it, the constant dreary atmosphere is just a little too much for me although I'm a fan of all previous GAS albums, tracks and remixes. as absurd as it sounds coming from a regular listener of Eno's Neroli and the like, I can't find any interesting progression here, it's just the same thing going over and over again. part of me thinks that Wolfgang's got a little lazy on that one. first and last tracks are good, rest are meh. probably me getting older and denser or something (see? gas cannot be absorbed by a thicker container/substance... ta-duuh geek humor!). as with all deep albums it's a good practice to revisit it a couple of years later, who knows maybe I'll be young and unbiased sometime again

So the art book fell off within 3 minutes of opening this. Is this supposed to happen or what?

Edit: distro says the art book falling off is a problem with many copies of this release, seems like Kompakt dropped the ball on this one. My copy was also missing the C/D vinyl, which is just crazy bad honestly... Anyway, getting a replacement copy. Hope I get lucky this time.

Edit 2: replacement copy is solid, guess I got unlucky the first time

it's amazing how this album switches from the most unsettling, paranoia inducing soundscapes to the most soothing, unearthy experiences I've ever had with music. it almost feels as if it's trying to induce terror just to make the calm after it that more curing.

Anyone else have incessant surface noise and crackles on Sides E and F? A-D sound great

Edit: Kompakt sent me a replacement for E/F and it sounds great.