The instrumental band Der Neue Planet from Cologne places great emphasis on creating a cohesive work. Their new album, “Schwerkraft für Anfänger” (Tonzonen), their third overall, is once again wrapped in beautiful artwork (by Manuel Lambertz) and features song titles rich in wordplay.
Musically, the album opens the door to an unknown dimension once more. Styles blend into infinity, with gently plucked post-rock flowing into booming stoner rock, and dramatic prog spilling over into tinkling space rock.
You could easily place this album next to the others by Der Neue Planet and pick one at random. The work isn’t vastly different from its predecessors, which speaks to the band’s distinctive style.
The opening track, “Unendlicher Unwahrscheinlichkeitsdrive,” sets the tone for what to expect. Anything is possible. Powerful urgency and light-footed melodies can coexist. “Alpha Ursae Minoris” then adds an epic scale, exploring the farthest reaches.
Der Neue Planet – Schwerkraft für Anfänger: Difficult to grasp, but highly appealing instrumental rock. – RIFL
