label: Fax Records country of origin: Germany style(s): Ambient, ethno ambient, ambient techno/trance/dub,  world beat, avant garde essential compilations: Fax Compilation 1 (1994, Fax USA) Fax Compilation 2 (1995, Fax USA) The Ambient Cookbook (1995, Fax/Ambient World) Genetic Drift (1996, Fax) The Ambient Cookbook II (2002, Fax)

The story of the new-school ambient label Fax is really the story of Pete Namlook, its founder and major recording artist. Not since Eno has a single musician done so much to push ambient ideas, both through his own music and the impressive array of talent he has signed to the label since 1992.  

Fax various-artist albums have been numerous over the years but, like Namlook's own releases, they are all limited editions. Fax Compilation 1 and 2 are among a select few that were at one point licensed by Instinct Records in North America and these are more widely available. They include most of tracks from the 4CD compilation The Ambient Cookbook, which collects tracks form the label's earlier period and has the curious addition of some recipes from Pete Namlook's kitchen in the accompanying booklet. Genetic Drift is s 2CD set collecting more tracks from the early to mid-1990's period. The Ambient Cookbook II is a treasure. It doesn't so much as pick up where the first volume left off, rather it re-imagines the label's first ten years with a seamless mixed blend. Some tracks are left intact, some are edited, while others are overlaid on top of each other to create something new. Its much more of a mixed DJ creation than the first volume and a marvelous alternative document of the label's history.

All these albums are highly recommended summaries of what Fax has to offer. Old analogue synth sounds meld with a variety of light techno beats, industrial percussion and/or live instruments in fresh and evocative ways. Some tracks remain completely beatless, others pulse with gentle rhythm; some are cosmic and beautiful, some dignified and classical, others shadowy and ominous. It's often brilliant, inspiring stuff and it has easily withstood the fall of ambient techno from its early-90's flavour-of-the-month status because let's face it: Fax's underground credentials are impeccable and it never WAS flavour of the month. It's all about quality, and this music remains a benchmark for electronic and electro-acoustic chillout music in the new century.

HOME