Cluster can be counted among the most important international protagonists of the electronic avant-garde. Some credit them with having invented ambient music, others as pioneers of synthesizer pop, whilst to some they are firmly embedded in the krautrock universe. There is some truth in all of these notions. Although Cluster and “rock music” are seldom mentioned in the same breath, their early works in particular are marked by a lack of structure and futuristic, cold soundscapes typical of the krautrock variation known as “Kosmische”.
“Großes Wasser” was Cluster’s fifth album as a duo. At the outset of their musical odyssey, they had already recorded three LPs with Konrad Schnitzler under the name of Kluster. Later, they collaborated with Brian Eno and with Michael Rother/Harmonia.
The cover art is the first indication of minimalist tendencies on “Großes Wasser“, reflecting the concentration, transparency and maturity of the content, almost like chamber music. Whilst nothing is left to chance, each of the six Cluster pieces effervesces with a certain joie de vivre, providing ample scope for artistic spontaneity.
