Intuitive Music

Cluster

Cluster is one of the most creative electronic German bands from the 70’s, formed in Berlin in 1970 under the name of Kluster by Conrad Schnitzler, Hans-Jaochim Roedelius and Dieter Moebius. In 1971, the band’s name changed to Cluster after Conrad Schnitzler’s departure and, at the same time, the legendary German producer Conny Plank became a very active support in the band having even a credit as a writer.

Cluster was one of the most pioneering bands in electronic experimentation, synthesis, and ambient music who, as well as the first version of kraftwerk, they fusioned the early electronic technology with classical instruments like cello and piano. In their first album “Cluster” (1971) Cluster created a personal electronic universe of pre-industrial soundscapes that seem to portrait the demolished streets of a post-war Berlin which later would influence bands such as Throbbing Gristle.

The second album “Cluster II” was released in 1972 and was another setting stone of the kraftwerk era, containing pre-punk architectures that would influence to Suicide a few years later.

In 1973, Cluster left Berlin and moved to Forst to create their own studio, performing in clubs like Fabrik in Hamburg in collaboration with other musicians such as the drummer Mani Neumeier of Guru Guru and the guitarist Alex Genrich. During this period they also started a strong collaboration under the name of Harmonia with Neu!’s guitarist Michael Rother, who also collaborated with kraftwerk, releasing the albums “Musik Von Harmonia” (1974) and “De Luxe” (1975).

The third Cluster’s album “Zuckerzeit” (Sugartime), released in 1974, was co-produced by Michael Rother. Cluster introduced new sounds in the band’s stamp like Hawaian guitar and Davoli and Farfisa synthesizers that gave such a unique imprint to the album. This was in fact a key influence to Brian Eno’s future work “Another Green World”.

“Sowiesoso”, released in 1976, was the last album formaly signed by Cluster, which was a curious exercise of fusion between space pop and experimental music that featured surrealistic children music, probably influenced by the candy melodies of Bruce Haack.

In 1977, Cluster started a series of collaborations with Brian Eno with the album “Cluster and Eno”. During the following years both Roedelius and Moebius developed their own solo careers, ocasionally producing new Cluster material and playing live. With Eno, they also released the albums “After the Heat” (1978), and two works of the series “Begegnungen” featuring also Conny Plank.

Moebius and Roedelius resurrected the Cluster project in 1991 with the album “Apropos Cluster” where they concentrated in the new sampling techniques. In 1995, a new Cluster product was released entitled “One Hour” and during this period the duo tuored extensively, releasing the live albums “Live in Vienna” (1980), “Live Japan” (1996) and “First Encounter Tour (1996).

Cluster has influenced a whole generation of electronic bands including Pete Namlook, Neina, Mouse On Mars, and Schammpeitziger.