Ashra- New Age of Earth (1977)

Ashra, a late 70's German Progressive-electronic outfit, evolved from the Krautrock group Ash Ra Temple. New Age of Earth marks their debut effort. Although it claims to be a collaborative effort, it is in fact a solo effort by Manuel Göttsching, keyboardist and electronic expert who had led Ash Ra Temple (other members would contribute to later Ashra releases). This record sees a plunge into a lighter, fully electronic sound, distant from any Krautrock past.

When I compare this to other prog-electronic releases from the late 70s, (Stratosfear era Tangerine Dream, Klause Schulze), New Age of Earth sounds remarkably bright. This is a very mellotron heavy album, and it generates a sound that evokes floating through nature. The tones are kept warm and fresh, and less of the alienation that is often a hallmark of prog-electronic is present. Even the track titles suggest this intention- "Sunrain", "Ocean of Tenderness", "Deep Distance", and "Nightdust". Everything on this record flows. This can be a bad thing- at times, New Age of Earth does get a little boring as the passages move on without having any aim. However, most of the time, I like the effect. This record is a cohesive experience, that relaxes the listening mind with mellow movements. I have no doubt this album could have influence Brian Eno and the ambient movement which would grow during the 80s.

I give New Age of Earth a thumbs up. It's not ground breaking, but it's solid. The pleasant feel evoked by this album gives me reason to come back to it frequently, and it makes a great, absorbing landscape in which you can easily get lost in.

Grade: B