In the case of Krautrock pioneers Ash Ra Tempel, the answer to these questions might very well be a plethora of opposing perspectives and facts. Yes, Ash Ra Tempel recorded a new studio album in the form of Friendship, alas without bassist Hartmut Enke, who was around with the band much longer than Klaus Schulze was. Yes, they can still do it and the music is honest and heartfelt, but they're not doing it in the tradition of what was Ash Ra Tempel, with Schulze in charge of machines, sequences, etc. as opposed to his original position in the drummer's stool, and the music not being what one would normally expect from this act. Yes, they have something more to give us. Don't wait for a "but", because there isn't any.

Friendship is a gorgeous and relaxing experience consisting of three slowly evolving tracks, each with its very own personality and flow, all united by common grounds and beauty. Closing one's eyes, one can't help but imagine flying trough the skies above peaceful landscapes of deep lakes and rushing winds, swaying branches and introspective warmth. Amongst the sparse and minimalist atmospheres that Schulze gently creates, Manuel Göttsching glides tenderly in and out of sonic tapestries with his guitar, featuring ethereal tones that recall smooth and tender ambience. So it is that Reunion spans nearly half an hour in Tibetan tranquility and gentle sensuality interspersed with eruptions of passionate sentiment, Pikant does its name honor by means of a relaxed lounge-like nature of recurring themes and the touching midway incursion of an acoustic guitar, and Friendship floats with a contagious melancholy that fittingly ends an adorable time.

Friendship is a statement of electronic sensuality; a gentle sonic caress that extends itself slowly and uses a richly thick ambience to embrace the listener in pacifying waves of sound. The results of an endearing progression, each track on the album is a lush excursion that focuses on its very own peculiarities and maintains only a limited number of themes, yet each of them growing in a painstaking process that soothes the listener's psyche. This is music that transcends bodily limits in order to engage directly in a tranquil exchange of passion with the listener, leaving all mundane questions of reunions a thing of the past.«

Three very long and loquacious tracks on this album. The shaking of the rattle, intermittently, skips over the synth wash and bassline holding it up, like abandoned cities in the Mojave. Now a curve of classical guitar, pulled out of the dry air like a bullet in flight. The guitar soars and cores in finality, elegiacally writing a cloudbank across the sonic skies. To re-emphasize - it's great fuck music, especially at lower levels, and your plants will grow because of it. «

Three long pieces - and none is boring with this quiet pace, soft rhythm and arresting melody. 30-minute long Reunion may resemble Atom Heart Mother but in the end of the day smart Krautrock picked up exactly where English psychodelia broke down. Tune not catchy but one can't help following it especially when poignant guitar hooks up. And it's Manuel's guitar playing that makes Pikant accord to its title. The groove here sounds more intricated and even close to the world music while short guitar phrases hail directly from old blues. And even so, acoustic solo jumps om you unexpectedly to send shivers down your spine. Magnific!

Friendship appears to be powerful guitar soundscape based on the solid keyboard foundation - the piece requires comparison with Crazy Diamond. Rock smelling of classical composers - that's what the title track is.

Although Kraut is mostly cold this effort certainly posesses a soul.

(5 stars out of 5)

On the ASH RA TEMPEL studio album: Friendship, Göttsching's guitar melodies and Schulze's synths and percussion are together again with an easy going musical jaunt between two comrades. Individually, they cast a giant shadow. Together, on Friendship, they are found simply enjoying each other's company and music. The three lengthy pieces on Friendship are linear, with Schulze's electronic percussion and evocative harmonies leading the listener along the musical path while Gottsching's guitar stylings speak of their surroundings. The mood created is familiar, modern and mature. Listening to Friendship calls to mind that comfort which is felt at a long awaited reunion and the sharing of the past and present.