Flying Saucer Attack

Recorded and released when Flying Saucer Attack was on its semi-hiatus around 1996, Distant Stations isn't actually an FSA album per se, but a collaborative remix project done by fellow U.K. experimental artist Tele:funken (real name Tom Fenn), named after a German company. Consisting of two sidelong (or on CD, simply long) dark ambient-themed songs, it seems to be something of a tribute to older FSA inspirations like Ash Ra Tempel, also fond of similarly lengthy and moody numbers. As a result, or maybe just as a sly nod to the rampant Krautrock and space rock worship of the mid-'90s in hipster indie circles, the liner notes warn, "Achtung! Diese Platte ist Moog-frei!" -- which may or may not be grammatically accurate, but still makes for a good in-joke. Tele:funken himself took a variety of samples and elements of FSA's work; no specific origin for any of the sounds is indicated but one collaborator is mentioned, Rosie Cuckston of Pram, who adds "toy sampler" on the first track. Tele:funken's remix work doesn't so much turn FSA into blissful relaxation as it increases the edgy, uneasy qualities, all while still being engagingly atmospheric. The first track, with its opening of stretched-out guitar feedback in rhythmic cycles, up and down, back and forth in the mix, is a particular gem, turning into a haunting haze of floating high-pitched tones before a relentless, low rhythmic burble combines with it to conclude the song. The second piece starts in the most low-volume and minimal way possible, with barely on-the-edge-of-hearing percussion and squiggly loops only just gaining in general intensity in the opening minutes. This then turns into an intriguingly open-ended combination of oscillating, constantly varying tones and feedback wails, distorted and pushed to the edge. Sonically, Distant Stations feels like a kissing cousin to Main's similarly extreme work -- not a bad situation to be in. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide