Long-running German experimental group Faust experienced a rebirth in the '90s, spurred by the success of several extensive tours and the studio-rendered album/collage RIEN. 1996's YOU KNOW FAUST marked the ensemble's official return and featured new material that sounded uncannily similar to the classic Faust catalog. With 1999's RAVVIVANDO, Faust moves forward--somewhat. Gone is Jean-HervT Peron, who had been an anchor since the group's inception. Founding members Zappi Diermaier and Hans Joachim Irmler remain, here augmented by four newer members of the family Faust. Faust's albums are usually cut-and-paste opuses that rely on skillful studio manipulation of improvised and composed material. RAVVIVANDO more closely resembles the diabolical circus that is live Faust-a dangerous, unpredictable beast that careens from chainsaw vs. metal spectacle and rhythmic savagery to introspective tape-loopery. "Livin' Tokyo," "Apokalypse," and the devastating "Four Plus Seven Means Eleven" pull prototypical Faust moves--pounding "motorik" percussion, distorted vocals, and snake-trail synth/guitar writhings. The black light groove of "T-Electronique" glitters darkly in contrast. RAVVIVANDO replaces the humor of earlier albums with raw, unflagging intensity, and such draconian stormers as the spitting, thrashing "Take Care," "D.I.G.," and "Wir Baruchen Dich #6" rock harder than anything heard from Faust since FAUST IV.
Ein Neuer Tag Caroussel II Wir Brauchen Dich #6 Four Plus Seven Means Eleven Take Care Tres Gotas De Agua Bendita Dr. Hansi Apokalypse D.I.G. Du Weisst Schon Livin Tokyo T-Electronique