released October 1, 2007

All tracks composed, arrenged and performed by Thomas Fanger & Mario Schönwälder. Mastered by Gerd Wienekamp.

REVIEWS:
Alles waar Mario Schönwälder bij is betrokken, is van de grootste kwaliteit. Dit geldt zowel voor de muziek die de Duitser maakt (meestal in samenwerking met anderen zoals in dit geval met zijn landgenoot Thomas Fanger), als voor de apparatuur die zijn bedrijf Manikin ontwikkelt. Ook de eerste DVD die van zijn hand verschijnt, is een fraaie. Tot op heden hebben eigenlijk alleen de grote namen als Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream en Vangelis hoogwaardige DVD’s afgeleverd. Deze DVD, het eerste schijfje van het setje Analog Overdose 4, is opgenomen in 2006 tijdens het Hampshire Jam festival in Engeland, vergelijkbaar met E-Live of E-Day in Nederland. Hoewel bij elektronische muziek natuurlijk aan show meestal weinig te beleven valt, zijn dit heldere en goed gefilmde beelden van twee uitstekend musicerende heren. Fanger vind ik ook een groot talent, getuige zijn schitterende solo-Cd Parlez-Vous Électronique? (zie iO 63). Alle nummers die ze spelen, hebben met maaltijden te maken, zoals Liphook Breakfast (Liphook is de plek waar het festival plaatsvond). Beiden spelen ze op een “Memotron”, een uitvinding van Schönwälder’s bedrijf Manikin. Dit is een digitale Mellotron zonder kast. Tussen de concertopnamen door zien we beelden van de heren op reis. De muziek die ze spelen in 75 minuten is typische Berliner Schule-elektronische muziek met werkelijk uitmuntende sequencerloopjes uit de “Schrittmacher”-sequencer van Manikin, sterk solowerk en gave Mellotronsounds. De CD bevat studio-opnamen. Het zijn andere nummers dan op de DVD maar qua sequences en sfeer is -begrijpelijk- wel sprake van enige gelijkenis. Ook hier horen we diverse fantastische sequences, soloklanken en innovatieve effecten. Vooral het tweede stuk Frankfurt Lunch kent alle elementen van top-Berliner Schule. Tangerine Dream had het niet beter kunnen doen in hun beste tijd. Berlin Dessert kent ook weer een heerlijk stuwende sequence en kalme pianobijdragen. Ik vind het meesterlijk. Analog Overdose 4+ is een soort van bonus-CD, verpakt in een klein filmblikje. Het eerste nummer vind het ik beste stuk dat ik tot op heden heb gehoord in de Analog Overdose-serie. Ik doe mijn ogen dicht en bevind mij in een kathedraal in 1975 waar Tangerine Dream de beelden omver blies met hun basgeluiden. Het tweede stuk is iets rustiger maar opnieuw opbouwend van enorme klasse. Fanger & Schönwälder’s moddervette sequences hebben naar mijn mening een Vette Krent opgeleverd.
Website: www.manikin.de; info@manikin.de.
Paul Rijkens IO Pages

This release from 2007 offers 64 minutes of dreamy electronic music on the CD and 75 minutes on the DVD. The material on both discs is different, no duplication. The CD’s music was recorded in studios in Berlin and Frankfurt during 2007; the DVD’s music comes from a performance at the fifth Hampshire Jam in Liphook, England, on October 21, 2006.
The personnel are: Thomas Fanger and Mario Schönwälder.
Each disc respectively features three tracks, presented as “Breakfast,” “Lunch,” and “Dessert.”
On the CD...
A full array of electronics enliven this music, from heavenly passages crafted with choral tonalities to cyclic pulsations which employ more oomph. Atmospheric streams establish a dreamy backdrop for more animated melodics. As the tuneage progresses, chittering diodes frolic in the mix along with remotely reverberating sounds and keyboard loops of a regal nature. High end embellishment suitably tickles the sonic headway, lending stratospheric character to the gutsier harmonic lowlands. While conventional percussion is not used, rhythms are generated through the swift application of crisply looped notes, boosting the music with bouncy tempos. These compositions explore modern expressions tinged with a retro edge, combining fresh sensibilities with nostalgic hints. The result is captivating and thoroughly satisfying. The first track is delightfully seasoned with guitar riffs (that are superbly synthesized) which flavor the flow with astral cadence and dramatic squeals. The “Dessert” track features a bevy of environmental sounds (some pastoral, others automotive in nature) mixed into the driving melody, producing a constant progression of auxiliary elements flickering amid the piece’s stately ascension.
On the DVD...
The visuals are pretty basic, focusing on Fanger and Schönwälder sitting at their machinery and playing. Theatrics are minimal. A few gelled spotlights wander back and forth across the stage, but their initial presence is generally unintrusive. As the music evolves, so does the lighting, establishing ponderous blue pillars for a moody stretch. When the tuneage reaches more energetic territory, the lights strobe nicely to the beat of the pulsating keys. The video is also interspersed with bits of off-stage footage of Fanger and Schönwälder. During the first track, they wander the countryside, examining shop fronts, peering off bridges, having a meal. After “Breakfast,” they drive to “Lunch,” the tracks seamlessly flowing into each other. They enter the Eurotunnel, travel along highways and pass an impressive array of power pylons. The music breaks between tracks 2 and 3 for audience applause, then the performers begin the encore (or “Dessert”), during which it’s Mario-a-Gogo with him physically grooving along as the tuneage gets peppier. The music on the DVD is constructed in slowbuild fashion, layers accreting into lush panoramas peppered with softly sinuous beats. The melodies flow from passage to passage, gradually mutating into variations and generating new harmonics by interplaying with each other. Very dreamy, very retro. The third piece achieves a significant degree of sprightly activity. A technical note: there are numerous albums in the Analog Overdose series, of which “4” appears to be the seventh. The labeling of these releases has grown quite diverse, with guest personnel and sidereal titles.
Matt Howarth, www.soniccuriosity.com

Fanger & Schönwälder’s “Analog Overdose 4” comes in a Manikin-style double-digipak holding an audio cd and a dvd.
The cd contains three extended tracks of which the first one features a rather monotonous sequence on which improvised solo’s hover over a blanket of vintage textures. In my opinion, the second and third track are more appealing, both taking off with a nicely sculptured landscape of free form vintage and mellotron soundscapes and effects to which some versatile, fresh sounding sequencing and more to the point soloing are added later on. These moody recordings are more up to the quality standard one may expect from this experienced duo. The added dvd contains a well filmed 75-minute concert feature of the duo’s performance during the 5th Hampshire Jam Festival held in 2006. Three extended pieces are featured, all firmly tapping into the sonic heritage of the Berliner School. It sees both musicians in great spirits, giving their best as they display a variety of solo’s, mellotron soundscapes and flute solo’s (derived from Manikin’s Memotron) over ongoing strings of minimal and shape shifting hypnotic Schrittmacher sequencer patterns. Fans of the Berliner School sound will want to dig this release for sure.
Bert Strolenberg
www.sonicimmersion.org

If you haven't overdosed yet, this fourth edition in the analog series should get you closer. Not only does it have three more excellent studio tracks to add to their burgeoning catalog, it includes a DVD with video footage of last year’s performance at Hampshire Jam 5 in Liphook, interspersed with some fun documentary bits. It’s always nice to get to know these guys on a more personal level, especially for those of us stateside who don't get the chance to meet them at live gigs. So while you Euro cats may find it silly to watch Mario eating eggs over easy on toast, I think it’s kind of fun. And then of course there’s the music. What can you say, these guys have the formula down pat. So far, it’s still not getting old.
Quaintly titled “Berlin Breakfast,” “Frankfurt Lunch,” and “Berlin Dessert,” these three 20-minute pieces go down easy and leave me feeling full and satisfied.
“Breakfast” has a light touch, bubbly little sequencing sort of skipping by, with easygoing solos over the top – maybe to go with those over easy eggs? I particularly like the soft edge on the choirs, not overdone, just right.
“Lunch” starts with a flair for the dramatic, unusual synth sounds interspersed with silence, rumbling like thunder, and otherworldly cries. It’s almost like churning up the dead from underground, unusually creepy stuff for these guys but very cool. Suddenly, we step into a funky jungle instead, and a bouncy little bass sequence starts up. Ah, this is more like it, a slice of retro heaven, back on the bright side of life. The sounds used are top notch, from the new Manikin instruments Memotron and Schrittmacher among others.
“Dessert” comes last, of course, and it starts slow and easy, full of warm strings and pads, quite dreamy sounding. The hypnotic loops come, of course, but more laid back and leisurely. Piano and Mellotron flutes make for a nice finish, with a little weirdness at the end for good measure.
2007. Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

Manikin geht mit seiner „Overdose“ in die vierte Runde. Dieses Mal sogar mit DVD, die auf einer Session in Hampshire mitgeschnitten wurde. „Das Liphook Breakfast“ steigert sich fast unmerklich und entfaltet über 45 Minuten einen langsam anschwellenden Mellotron-Rausch. Natürlich ist es nicht so spannend, zwei Herren an Keys und Knöpfen schrauben zu sehen, so dass die eingefügten Reise-Videos eine willkommene Auflockerung darstellen. In den beiden kürzeren Stücken steigert man sich aber in fast schon DJ-artige Trance-Räusche. Das „Berlin Breakfast“ auf der CD wiegt einen zu sanft pulsierenden Klängen und Cello-Sample in Schulzesche Klangträume. „Frankfurt Lunch“ könnte glatt das fehlende Bindeglied zwischen TD’s Meilensteinen „Phaedra“ und „Ricochet“ sein. Mächtig rauscht und flötet hier das Memotron (ein digitales Mellotron) bis asiatisch tönende Sequencer die Hängematte schwingen lassen. Ebenso hervorragend holt „Frankfurt Breakfast“ auf der in einer Tonspule verpackten CD-Erweiterung „Overdose 4+“ nostalgische Gefühle hervor, kombiniert mit Moog-ähnlichen Soli und einer wunderbar warmen Sound-Architektur. Alles äußerst gelungen und für „Berliner Schule“ Fans ein Muss.
Wertung: 8 von 10 Punkten, Walter Sehrer, ECLIPSED

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Analog Overdose 4+
This release from 2007 offers 45 minutes of expansive electronic music.The personnel here are: Thomas Fanger and Mario Schönwälder. There are two tracks on this auxiliary release, both of notable length and gratifying sonic worth. The first piece quickly establishes keyboard patterns over an electronic foundation of atmospheric texturals. Additional riffs of nimble character are introduced, each amplifying the melody with delightful intricacy. E-perc enters the surging mix, slowly expanding from subtle tempos to demonstrative rhythms. Not willing to be left behind, the keyboards continue to offer fresh chords to the accumulation of electronic loops, resulting in a steadily increasing density of bewitching quality. A sedate coda is teased by flutish harmonics which descend into a dark abyss. The second track opens with vaporous tones and riffs that embody uncertainty as they gradually coalesce to form a stable structure. Bass loops usher in the tune’s cohesive stage. The high altitude tonalities provide a suitable basis for a series of cyclic riffs to commence their growth from infancy to brilliant maturity. Sounds of grand definition mix with crystalline notes, all swirling to form a mesmerizing pastiche of lovely disposition. A plethora of effects surface and recede, punctuating the accreting density. Meanwhile, the central theme(s) persist in swelling in force and emotion, achieving an authority that is strident yet personable. Airy texturals flow into prominence, enhancing the melodics with their breezy distinction. Some of the effects become gritty and fierce, excellently contrasting with the music’s nostalgic flavor. Haunting pulsations provide a tasty finish. A wonderful extension of the above release that can stand on its own sovereign merits.
Matt Howarth, www.soniccuriosity.com

This is my first encounter with the music of this duo, although I know the music of each of these established musicians is thoroughly rooted in the Berliner School sound for years. “Analog Overdose 4+” (which seems a kind of bonus cd to the regular cd/dvd release “Analog Overdose 4”) comes as a limited edition cd packaged in a small tin can, containing two lengthy tracks without booklet or any other info. “Frankfurt Breakfast” (19:46) is a dynamic but eclectic excursion into well rendered sequencer landscapes, synth textures, minimal rhythms, fx’s and shape shifting mellotron flute solo’s which all realm in a slightly similar sonic environment as Schulze’s late 70’s works. Things slow down a bit around the 12-minute mark where mellotron choir and textures set out shortly before vaporising into an atmospheric ending. The second piece “Berlin Lunch” (25:31) proves to be stronger, starting out free form, atmospheric and rather foreboding, but soon evolving its own, slower pace as the vintage sequencing and mellotron flavours show up in the background. Scarce solo’s fly over the meandering textures and environmentals, making this a vintage piece shine in its own dimmed light.
This is a must-have for Berliner School fans.
Bert Strolenberg

I can only surmise that Fanger & Schönwälder were having so much fun making their CD and DVD for Analog Overdose 4 that they just kept on going, and that this CD must be the result. Remarkably short for the duo at 45 minutes, it is nevertheless an essential addition to the collection. Incidentally, it comes beautifully packaged in a round tin, the same as the original release of the first Analog Overdose.
“Frankfurt Breakfast” is a tasty beginning, just under 20 minutes that wastes no time in establishing a mid-tempo punchy sequence adorned with the usual retro accoutrements such as Mellotron flutes and strings. It builds effortlessly as usual, with nice synth solos in the middle. It is variations on a well-worn Berlin school theme, but it still sounds great, and changes just enough to keep things fresh throughout. Male choirs and pads draw the track to a moody close.
“Berlin Lunch” is 25 minutes of the same, though with an unexpectedly eerie beginning as dark synths swirl around churning water sounds. Just when it seems this one will stick to more ambient realms, the classic retro elements come in again, predominantly a low bass pulse for the sequence and Mellotron flute for the mellow melody.
Another perfectly evolving piece, one wonders how many more delightful overdoses Teutonic fans can take before it proves terminal. If I do OD, it will be with a smile on my face
2007. Phil Derby / Electroambient Space

A slow movement, hemmed of vaporous and consistent synths, forms the first measures of Berlin Breakfast. Already, the breaths of Berlin School to contemporary radiances are felt. Subtly, a soft sequence is hiding behind a mellotron with the breaths of Arabia, enlarging its cadence at the rhythm of mesmerizing mellotron. And, as Fanger Schonwalder accustomed us to it, the tempo takes a heavier sonority, on more intense and hypnotic pulsation.
Analog Overdose 4 is a pure Berlin School feast. But a Berlin School to which the duet combines with a unique contemporariness. Splitting by short sequences, the Berliners duet appreciably modifies the structure of the rhythm with short random fluctuations, plunging Berlin Breakfast in a celestial atmosphere. The solos of synths, some with guitars appearances, put a sweet intoxicate into this soft electronic daydream.
Heavy arpeggios, intersected with electronic clappers, impregnate obscure reverberations to Frankfurt Lunch intro. We are in full hallucinatory jungle where eclectic sonorities of animals rove in heavy atmospheric pads. A fine sequence emerges from this tropical blackness, to form a zigzagging tempo which wakes up a movement bursting of velocity, where solos of synths are squabbling on limpid chords which drown in symphonic synths. The atmosphere is heavy and the synthesized pads opaque, creating a rich and moulding sound envelope, as at the beautiful time of Phaedra and Rubycon. Louds and dense mellotrons pads open the doors of Berlin Dessert. A n atonic intro with floating mobility scents the atmosphere of a ghostly odour, whereas big keys of dark organ strike an aphasic silence. Strange impulsions shake this lethargy, stimulating a neurotic sequence which palpitates like strange arrhythmias pulses. Berlin Dessert falls under a line of experimental titles which Fanger Schonwalder develops within the last years. Behind the amorphous synthesized cushion is woven a boiling musical structure which does not have any particular rhythm, but a crawling mass with spreading unctuously intense mellotrons. Imagine Phaedra, but with a more limpid musical effervescence, and you have the structure of Berlin Dessert. A heavy and creative track which requires more than one listening, but which enjoys a superb final.
Analog Overdose 4 is a little different from the first Fanger Schonwalder grindings. The duet exploits more and more the contemporary and progressive side of an EM corroded by the Berlin School bases. But do not fear, because with through its creative meanders, Fanger Schonwalder successful always has to create EM of great vintage which fascine, so much by its nebulous beauty than its hypnotic rhythms, and which always astonishes by share their random directions.
AO4 comes with a DVD from the Berliners’ duet, whereas it gave a spectacle at the 5th Hampshire Jam Festival, held on October 21st, 2006. The DVD includes short and beautiful introduction, which is used as musical decoration while the duet is travelling towards to town of Liphook, while being used as index for the selection of the tracks. This DVD contains 75 minutes of pure Berlin School music, split in3 parts. The quality of the image is superb and we attend an intimate concert where Fanger Schonwalder magic is spread. Liphook Breakfast starts very slowly. Long lunar intro where mellotrons breathe the quietude, whereas electronic jolts wake up an ebullient sequencer which starts an undulating rhythm, on great mellotrons layers. The Analog Overdose cocktail is completely respected; vaporous music on random rhythms, consistent and enveloping synths, strong escapades which deviates on semi techno passages (in particular the final). The whole thing framed of strident solos and surging sequences which recalls us that EM can also be the subject of wild gigs. On this level, Liphook Lunch is quite simply irresistible. A superb neurotic title which overlaps flickering sequences, like wings of a humming bird. Through this DVD we also follow the duet displacements in the England city. A mixture of black and white, as well as negative catches, raise the interest for a concert where 2 artists are the only figureheads, and which also breaks the possible brittleness of the more stratospheric musical moments.
This Analog Overdose 4 is a feast of pure Berlin School EM. The Berliners’ duet offers 2:20hres of explosive EM which rests on short atmospheric breaks, in particular on the concert of Hampshire Jam (DVD). As far as the CD, Fanger Schonwalder refashions discreetly the paths of Berlin School to give it again a more avant-gardism image. Thus developing a structure which requires some listening, in particular Berlin Dessert, but which always includes this unique musical savour of Fanger Schonwalder.
Sylvain Lupari for Guts Of Darkness, The French Website for Dark, Ambient & Experimental Music

Zusätzlich zur „Analog Overdose 4“ kommt zeitgleich eine weitere CD mit dem Titel „Analog Overdose 4+“ bei Manikin heraus. Das Besondere an dieser CD, die zwei weitere Stücke bereithält und somit die CD „Vol. 4“ vervollständigt, sind die Verpackung und die Limitierung der Silberscheibe. Die CD kommt in einer sehr schönen Blechdose, ähnlich wie es bei Teil 1 der Fall war, heraus. Dieses Mal erinnert die Verpackung allerdings an eine Tonbandrolle.
Die erste Frage, die man sich stellt ist, lohnt der Kauf dieser weiteren CD? Hierauf schon mal ein ganz klares Ja!!! Die Stücke sind in der gleichen Phase wie die der „Volume 4“ entstanden, bieten aber neues Material. Ebenso wie die Stücke auf der anderen CD sind diese beiden „Frankfurt Breakfast“ und „Berlin Lunch“, hier scheinen die Städte auf den jeweiligen Hauptkomponisten hinzuweisen, denn Mario wohnt in Berlin und Thomas in Frankfurt, sehr an die „Berliner Schule“ angelehnt. Wer die Musik der beiden bzw. der „Berliner Schule“ mag, der kommt auch an dieser CD, zumal sie in einer sehr schönen Verpackung daher kommt, nicht vorbei. Mit einfachen Worten gesagt: „Wo Mario Schönwälder drauf steht, ist Qualität drin.“
Stephan Schelle, November 2007

Analog Overdose 4 (CD/DVD)
Es geht auf das Ende des Jahres zu und da präsentiert uns Manikin Records noch ein Schmankerl, das rechtzeitig zum Weihnachtsfest herauskommt. Ich meine den mittlerweile vierten Teil der „Analog Overdose“-Reihe von Thomas Fanger & Mario Schönwälder. Eigentlich ist es ja sogar schon der fünfte Teil, wenn man „Analog Overdose 0.9“ mitzählt. Und nicht zu vergessen „Analog Overdose - The Ricochet Dream Edition“, die beim Label Ricochet Dream herausgekommen ist. Die CD bietet drei Stücke, die im Studio in Berlin bzw. in Frankfurt aufgenommen wurden. Die beiden Elektroniker bieten auf dem Silberling eine ganze elektronische Nahrungs-Tagesration für einen durchschnittlichen Erwachsenen an, denn die Stücke tragen den Zusatz „Breakfast“, „Lunch“ und „Dessert“. Während die Stücke der DVD im britischen Liphook live mitgeschnitten wurden, stammen die drei Tracks auf der CD aus den Studios in Berlin und Frankfurt. Der erste Track „Berlin Breakfast“ startet zunächst recht ruhig und flächig, bevor dann nach einigen Minuten der Sequenzer einsetzt. Hier wird typische Schönwälder-Kost, die nah an der „Berliner Schule“ angesiedelt ist, geboten. Retro in modernem Kleid, könnte man es auf den Punkt bringen. Im späteren Verlauf gesellen sich noch herrliche Melodielinien hinzu und umschmeicheln das Ohr, so wie es Tangerine Dream in ihren früheren Jahren konnten. Immer durchzieht ein hypnotischer Rhythmus den Hintergrund. Und dann kommen auch noch Sounds hinzu, die nach E-Gitarre klingen und eine Mischung aus Tangerine Dream und Manuel Göttsching darstellen. Das zweite Stück bietet völlig andere Sounds. So sind zu Beginn einige elektronische Klänge zu hören, die Tierstimmen wie Schafe, Hunde und Vögel nachahmen. Zwar sind die Sounds auch an Tangerine Dream der 70’er angelehnt, aber irgendwie klingt das anders, eher wie ein Hörspiel. Durch die etwas bedrohliche Atmosphäre hat das was von einem „Aufstand der Tiere“. Dann nach gut fünf Minuten entwickelt sich der Track zu einem mitreißenden Sequenzerstück, das sich immer weiter entwickelt. Mit seinen Mellotron-Sounds ist das Stück sehr Tangerine Dream-lastig. Den Abschluss macht dann „Berlin Dessert“. Dieses Stück erzeugt in der ersten Hälfte durch die Variation von flächigen Sounds ehr Stimmungen, als das es melodisch angelegt ist. Das haut mich nicht gerade um. In der zweiten Hälfte dominieren aber diese warmen Retrosounds das Bild und auch die Harmonien kommen wieder zum Vorschein. Das ist schon wieder mehr nach meinem Geschmack.
Das absolute Schmankerl ist aber die DVD, die dieser CD beigefügt wurde. Sie zeigt einen Mitschnitt vom Fanger & Schönwälder Konzert, das die beiden am 21. Oktober 2006 beim 5. Hampshire Jam auf der britischen Insel gegeben haben. Der Mitschnitt bietet drei Stücke mit einer Gesamtlaufzeit von 75 Minuten. Zwar agieren sie auf einer recht kleinen Bühne, aber durch den Einsatz mehrerer Kameras und damit verschiedener Blickwinkel sowie einiger Einblendungen kann man sich das Konzert gut ansehen. Nun ist es nicht so fürchterlich spannend, zwei Elektronikern 75 Minuten zuzuschauen, wie sie in die Tasten greifen oder an ihren Sequenzern rumschrauben, daher wurden den Liveaufnahmen Bilder beigefügt, die Thomas und Mario zeigen, wie sie in England unterwegs sind. Mal sieht man sie auf der Straße vor einem Schaufenster, dann marschieren sie an einer Reihe von Garagen vorbei, dann sind sie mit ihrem Auto auf der Autobahn unterwegs oder fahren mit dem Auto in den Zug, der kurz darauf in den Eurotunnel einfährt. Das ist alles sehr kurzweilig und lockert die Liveaufnahmen auf. Nach dem 45minütigen „Liphook Breakfast“, das in den ersten 15 Minuten quasi als Aufwärmphase Flächen und Akkorde, die sich nur langsam entwickeln, bietet, geht es dann richtig los, weil die Sequenzer für den nötigen Rhythmus sorgen. Das direkt anschließende „Liphook Lunch“ hält sich erst gar nicht mit großen Vorreden auf, sondern bietet herrliche Retrosounds, die u. a. mit dem Schrittmacher und dem Memotron erzeugt werden. Bei einem mehrgängigen Menü ist vor allem die Nachspeise von besonderer Bedeutung und so ist das auch mit dem „Liphook Dessert“. Diese zehnminütige Zugabe zum Livekonzert hat es richtig in sich. Absolut hypnotische und fast extatische Rhythmen treiben diesen Track nach vorn. Und nicht nur das, Mario geht hinter seinem elektronischen Instrumentarium dermaßen ab, dass es ihm den Schweiß über sein schütteres Haupt treibt. Es macht wirklich ’ne Menge Spaß den beiden bei diesem Track zuzusehen, denn hier kommt richtig Action ins Spiel.
Analog Overdose 4“ ist ein Muss für jeden Elektronikfan, der ein Faible für die „Berliner Schule“ oder halt eben Sequenzer orientierte Musik hat. Die Kombination aus CD und DVD ist mehr als gelungen, daher gehört die Scheibe in jede Elektroniksammlung.
Stephan Schelle, November 2007

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Alles waar Mario Schönwälder bij is betrokken, is van de grootste kwaliteit. Dit geldt zowel voor de muziek die de Duitser maakt (meestal in samenwerking met anderen zoals in dit geval met zijn landgenoot Thomas Fanger), als voor de apparatuur die zijn bedrijf Manikin ontwikkelt. Ook de eerste DVD die van zijn hand verschijnt, is een fraaie. Tot op heden hebben eigenlijk alleen de grote namen als Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream en Vangelis hoogwaardige DVD’s afgeleverd. Deze DVD, het eerste schijfje van het setje Analog Overdose 4, is opgenomen in 2006 tijdens het Hampshire Jam festival in Engeland, vergelijkbaar met E-Live of E-Day in Nederland. Hoewel bij elektronische muziek natuurlijk aan show meestal weinig te beleven valt, zijn dit heldere en goed gefilmde beelden van twee uitstekend musicerende heren. Fanger vind ik ook een groot talent, getuige zijn schitterende solo-Cd Parlez-Vous Électronique? (zie iO 63). Alle nummers die ze spelen, hebben met maaltijden te maken, zoals Liphook Breakfast (Liphook is de plek waar het festival plaatsvond). Beiden spelen ze op een “Memotron”, een uitvinding van Schönwälder’s bedrijf Manikin. Dit is een digitale Mellotron zonder kast. Tussen de concertopnamen door zien we beelden van de heren op reis. De muziek die ze spelen in 75 minuten is typische Berliner Schule-elektronische muziek met werkelijk uitmuntende sequencerloopjes uit de “Schrittmacher”-sequencer van Manikin, sterk solowerk en gave Mellotronsounds. De CD bevat studio-opnamen. Het zijn andere nummers dan op de DVD maar qua sequences en sfeer is -begrijpelijk- wel sprake van enige gelijkenis. Ook hier horen we diverse fantastische sequences, soloklanken en innovatieve effecten. Vooral het tweede stuk Frankfurt Lunch kent alle elementen van top-Berliner Schule. Tangerine Dream had het niet beter kunnen doen in hun beste tijd. Berlin Dessert kent ook weer een heerlijk stuwende sequence en kalme pianobijdragen. Ik vind het meesterlijk. Analog Overdose 4+ is een soort van bonus-CD, verpakt in een klein filmblikje. Het eerste nummer vind het ik beste stuk dat ik tot op heden heb gehoord in de Analog Overdose-serie. Ik doe mijn ogen dicht en bevind mij in een kathedraal in 1975 waar Tangerine Dream de beelden omver blies met hun basgeluiden. Het tweede stuk is iets rustiger maar opnieuw opbouwend van enorme klasse. Fanger & Schönwälder’s moddervette sequences hebben naar mijn mening een Vette Krent opgeleverd.
Paul Rijkens, IO-Pages

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Analog Overdose 4 (CD/DVD)
A slow movement, hemmed of vaporous and consistent synths, forms the first measures of Berlin Breakfast. Already, the breaths of Berlin School to contemporary radiances are felt. Subtly, a soft sequence is hiding behind a mellotron with the breaths of Arabia, enlarging its cadence at the rhythm of mesmerizing mellotron. And, as Fanger Schonwalder accustomed us to it, the tempo takes a heavier sonority, on more intense and hypnotic pulsation.
Analog Overdose 4 is a pure Berlin School feast. But a Berlin School to which the duet combines with a unique contemporariness. Splitting by short sequences, the Berliners duet appreciably modifies the structure of the rhythm with short random fluctuations, plunging Berlin Breakfast in a celestial atmosphere. The solos of synths, some with guitars appearances, put a sweet intoxicate into this soft electronic daydream.
Heavy arpeggios, intersected with electronic clappers, impregnate obscure reverberations to Frankfurt Lunch intro. We are in full hallucinatory jungle where eclectic sonorities of animals rove in heavy atmospheric pads. A fine sequence emerges from this tropical blackness, to form a zigzagging tempo which wakes up a movement bursting of velocity, where solos of synths are squabbling on limpid chords which drown in symphonic synths. The atmosphere is heavy and the synthesized pads opaque, creating a rich and moulding sound envelope, as at the beautiful time of Phaedra and Rubycon. Louds and dense mellotrons pads open the doors of Berlin Dessert. A n atonic intro with floating mobility scents the atmosphere of a ghostly odour, whereas big keys of dark organ strike an aphasic silence. Strange impulsions shake this lethargy, stimulating a neurotic sequence which palpitates like strange arrhythmias pulses. Berlin Dessert falls under a line of experimental titles which Fanger Schonwalder develops within the last years. Behind the amorphous synthesized cushion is woven a boiling musical structure which does not have any particular rhythm, but a crawling mass with spreading unctuously intense mellotrons. Imagine Phaedra, but with a more limpid musical effervescence, and you have the structure of Berlin Dessert. A heavy and creative track which requires more than one listening, but which enjoys a superb final.
Analog Overdose 4 is a little different from the first Fanger Schonwalder grindings. The duet exploits more and more the contemporary and progressive side of an EM corroded by the Berlin School bases. But do not fear, because with through its creative meanders, Fanger Schonwalder successful always has to create EM of great vintage which fascine, so much by its nebulous beauty than its hypnotic rhythms, and which always astonishes by share their random directions.
AO4 comes with a DVD from the Berliners’ duet, whereas it gave a spectacle at the 5th Hampshire Jam Festival, held on October 21st, 2006. The DVD includes short and beautiful introduction, which is used as musical decoration while the duet is travelling towards to town of Liphook, while being used as index for the selection of the tracks. This DVD contains 75 minutes of pure Berlin School music, split in3 parts. The quality of the image is superb and we attend an intimate concert where Fanger Schonwalder magic is spread. Liphook Breakfast starts very slowly. Long lunar intro where mellotrons breathe the quietude, whereas electronic jolts wake up an ebullient sequencer which starts an undulating rhythm, on great mellotrons layers. The Analog Overdose cocktail is completely respected; vaporous music on random rhythms, consistent and enveloping synths, strong escapades which deviates on semi techno passages (in particular the final). The whole thing framed of strident solos and surging sequences which recalls us that EM can also be the subject of wild gigs. On this level, Liphook Lunch is quite simply irresistible. A superb neurotic title which overlaps flickering sequences, like wings of a humming bird. Through this DVD we also follow the duet displacements in the England city. A mixture of black and white, as well as negative catches, raise the interest for a concert where 2 artists are the only figureheads, and which also breaks the possible brittleness of the more stratospheric musical moments. This Analog Overdose 4 is a feast of pure Berlin School EM. The Berliners’ duet offers 2:20hres of explosive EM which rests on short atmospheric breaks, in particular on the concert of Hampshire Jam (DVD). As far as the CD, Fanger Schonwalder refashions discreetly the paths of Berlin School to give it again a more avant-gardism image. Thus developing a structure which requires some listening, in particular Berlin Dessert, but which always includes this unique musical savour of Fanger Schonwalder.
Sylvain Lupari for Guts Of Darkness
The French Website for Dark, Ambient & Experimental Music

Analog Overdose 4+
Prolific as never, Fanger Schonwalder releases a short following of Analog Overdose 4, by laconically adding the sign + to this ‘’short’’45 minute cd. Still there, the duet offers pure Berlin School magic. A heavy sequence, worthy of Body Love, tears a strongly tetanized Frankfurt Breakfast intro. The rhythm is moulding and curves a stuffy sound cascade of beautiful mellotron pads and flutes solos. We are in full Fanger Schonwalder territory. Sound texture is superb and bathes in a cadence atmosphere where flutes, synth solos and hypnotic sequences work a musical structure which gradually is blowing out, to enter an atmospheric path at around the 12th minute. Exquisite emphatic zones where sequences permute towards a perforate nothingness soundscape with musical spasms as eclectic as astonishing, delivering a soporific final, like the beautiful time of the 70’s. Schulze and Tangerine Dream of great vintage.
This voyage revival continues with Berlin Lunch. A long part where the Berlin School duet par excellence offers a whirring title. Moderate intro with slow and resounding arpeggios which cleanse in a nebulous atmosphere. Slowly, the rhythm takes shape on a soft hopping sequence, that pace up and down a soft road imprint of a melodious flute. Berlin Lunch progresses slowly, drowned of synths striations which mingle languorously with mellotron violins, on a moderate hypno tempo. The old mellotron odes of the 70’s come haunting the last courses with superb arrangements and an unheard depth, doing of Berlin Lunch one of the best titles of contemporary Berlin School this year.
Analog Overdose 4 + continues the Berlin School tradition which we find on the DVD. Classical music with hypnotic eases, though fluid by moments, on long movements with the soft and tasty disturbances as at the beautiful time of Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream. A percussive musical voyage.
Sylvain Lupari for Guts Of Darkness
The French Website for Dark, Ambient & Experimental Music