Einsturzende Neubauten - Tabula Rasa

Einsturzende Neubauten-

Tabula Rasa

Tabula Rasa means “clean slate” and this is what Einsturzende Neubauten have achieved in this, their first new studio album since 1989’s Haus Der Luge. Tabula Rasa is Einsturzende Naubauten’s major label debut for Mute. And as the name implies, they have left their past behind and have begun again with a new sound and a new look. As you have surmised by the change to a major label, the new sound and look lack the balls and bite of their previous recordings for the offbeat Some Bizarre label. This shouldn’t shock anyone, because we all know that a transition to a major label usually means the compromise of a group’s more esoteric and unconventional facets.

Einsturzende Neubauten have long been considered one of the legendary pioneers of “industrial music.” In the past, they have created dark, atmospheric music using such unconventional instruments as power tools, shopping carts, razor blades on mirrors, and breaking glass. Their live shows have been even more extreme, getting them banned from playing in the United States for allegedly burning down stages during their performances. Einsturzende Neubauten have been a major influence on countless other industrial bands like Skinny Puppy, Ministry, and Nine Inch Nails.

The music presented to us in Tabula Rasa is much nicer and accessible that anything they have ever done before (with the possible exception of their cover of the Nancy Sinatra’s “Sand’). The musical styles touched upon court the dance floor at times, but mostly remain in the melancholy ballad realm. There is one notable exception to this which I will discuss later.

The album opens with the first single “Die Interimsliebenden.” This seven and half minute piece combines and Enigma-esque beat with sound bites reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails’ Pretty Hate Machine, in a superior dance form. This song is already receiving major play in clubs and deserves it.

That song is followed by two very beautiful ballads “Zebulon” and “Blume.” “Zebulon” reminds me somehow of a Joy Division song whose title I can’t recall. “Blume” features female vocals and is a poetic ode to flowers. Both of these songs are shocking in that they completely leave behind the usual dark, terror-filled lands where Einsturzende Neubauten usually dwell.

The remaining four songs on the album are attempts at harnessing portions of the Neubauten sound, but lack the satisfaction and inventiveness of their earlier work. The only exception to this is the closing track “Headcleaner.” This fourteen and a half minute extravaganza is Tabula Rasa’s masterpiece. Reminiscent of Einsturzende’s former classics like “Armenia” and “Bildeschreibung,” “Headcleaner” is an exhilarating homage to classical music. It is in four movements, with alternating frantic and mellow portions. It is a grand finale to a decent, albeit unexpected, album.

I know “Headcleaner” was included on this work to keep the older E.N. fans happy. But I fell for it anyway. Don’t get me wrong- I liked Tabula Rasa. It is just that the record is different form my expectations. But I guess that what good artists do. They keep you on your toes by defying your expectations. I recommend this tape to anyone, old and new fans alike.

The band itself look much older and mellower on the inside photo. I swear, they look like a cross between The Rolling Stones and the cast of 30Something. Apart from the band photo, the tape sleeve has all the lyrics in German along with their English translations. The lyrics are fun to read and highly educational. This is your chance to learn German and impress your friends. To quote Einsturzende Neubauten: “Ich stapfe durch den Drteck bedeutender Metaphern.” (English translation: “I wade through the filth of mighty metaphors.”)