Twenty-seven years since their founding, Einstürzende Neubauten eschews a record label in favor of self-releasing their latest full-length, Alles Wieder Offen. A fine addition to its catalog, one hopes that fans and newcomers alike will find their way to this release.

Playing in an unmistakable style that is equal parts kraut rock and downtown experimentalism, the collective specializes in the employment of homemade instruments. Their creations sound as if Harry Partch was put to work supplying a cyborg marching band. The thematic content tackled in their songs is equally postmodern; vocalist Blixa Bargeld crafts substantive lyrics, rife with allusion and capable of biting wit.

Particularly affecting is the elegantly constructed "Von Wegen," which transforms several motives throughout, eventually piling them on top of each other in a jubilant polyphonic chorus. "Ich hatte ein Wort" marries a poignant vocal with a motoric, ostinato-laden accompaniment. Despite the seriousness of its lyrics, "Weil Weil Weil" is catchy as all get out - avant-funk driven by clangorous metallic percussion and chanted vocals. The title cut is another instance of weighty subject matter juxtaposed against a stirring chorus hook.

Elsewhere, the group avoids blurring the edges between accessibility and experiment. "Ich Warte" is minimalist-inspired and evocative; Bargeld's vocals are accompanied by pitched percussion, playing repeated patterns, and savage electronic interruptions; the latter gradually take over the work and guide it to a gale force climax. Alles Wieder Offen is that elusive mix of formidable yet eminently memorable music making. - Christian Carey (2008, The Daily Copper)