Craig Leon - Nommos

Digitally re-mastered edition of this 1981 cult classic. First appearing incongruously on John Fahey's Takoma label, NOMMOS remains enshrouded in impenetrable mystery - from it's understated artwork to the rich assemblage of analog synthesizers contained inside. According to Head Heritage, Nommos is the 'missing link between the proto-industrial rhythm and drone of Suicide and the whole minimalist drone / static / repetition method of Terry Riley and La Monte Young.' Best known as a producer, Craig Leon worked on landmark debuts from Suicide, Richard Hell, the Ramones and Blondie. Rather than ape the early NYC punk that he helped foster, Leon's own music is filled with lush textures and pulsating rhythm boxes. Comparisons can be made to German innovators such as Cluster and La Dusseldorf, yet NOMMOS is an unbalanced cosmos marked by anxious melodies, aggressive shifts and spiritual overtones.