Sonar vs Muslimgauze – Outtakes (Digital/CD/Vinyl Album – Prodam Records)
In 1998, a remarkable album was released as a collaborative exchange between Sonar and Muslimgauze. Eric van Wonterghem and Dirk Ivens (Sonar) created four remixes of tracks by Bryn Jones (Muslimgauze), and the process was reciprocated. However, what wasn’t known at the time was that Bryn Jones had actually produced a total of 16 remixes, leaving it up to Eric and Dirk to decide what to do with them. Following the release, performances featuring both projects were even planned, but tragedy struck when Bryn Jones passed away in early 1999.
The British project Muslimgauze was extraordinary—a project I deeply admired for its sound and its unique blend of Tribal and Middle Eastern influences. Now, so many years later, these Belgian legends have decided to release the original remixes Muslimgauze created for Sonar as a standalone album, undoubtedly driven by deep respect and admiration for Bryn Jones’s masterful body of work. The result is surprising, presenting a completely transformed Sonar sound that fits seamlessly into the Muslimgauze universe. The Belgians’ signature Power-Noise is absorbed by the force of Tribal rhythms and an Eastern atmosphere, characterized by the authentic sounds of traditional instruments. Layered on top are samples of plaintive chants and voices that further enhance the mood. Muslimgauze didn’t merely create remixes; Jones undertook a complete reconstruction of the Sonar material. The overall sound is highly minimalist and perfectly embodies the Muslimgauze aesthetic. I am also struck by the brilliant stereo effects emanating from the speakers, which lend an extra touch of distinction to the production.
Through this album, Muslimgauze sounds as if the project is still alive—or perhaps newly reborn. As far as I’m concerned, this is a wonderful experience. (Rating:8).
Listen to “Outtake 3”:
About Sonar
Sonar is the Belgian industrial and techno side-project of Dirk Ivens, also known for his work in Klinik and Dive. The project began with Ivens working alongside Patrick Stevens (Hypnoskull); Eric Van Wonterghem (Insekt, Monolith) later joined as the group’s other core member. Sonar released its self-titled debut album in 1996, followed by “Dislocated” and “On Mission Inside” in 1997. In 1998, Sonar exchanged remixes with British artist Muslimgauze (Bryn Jones, 17 June 1961 – 14 January 1999) for the collaborative album “Sonar vs Muslimgauze”, released via Prodam Records. Jones died in January 1999, shortly after the exchange was completed. “Outtakes” gathers the remaining Muslimgauze-made remixes of Sonar material that were left unused at the time.
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