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	MARKUS GUENTNER 1981 KOMPAKT

Although Guentner’s ambient tones share plenty with the new school of German romantic techno (including composers Anthony Rother and DJ Monika Kruse), his work is softer in texture and uses much less rhythm. On 1981 (the year of Guentner’s birth), melodies announce themselves and then extend their reach, like a baby being born and reaching out, learning. Yet at times the eight tracks here seem to retrace the route, from complex effusiveness to pianissimo single notes. Classical music underpins much of Guentner’s work: "Der Wuestenplanet" sounds like a string orchestra tuning up for an overture. Lush contentment is the dominant voice of an album that, with but two digressions into quiet dance beats, floats joyously on an ocean of intense melodic calm.