Pete Namlook & David Moufang Koolfang Iii: Be Aware (2005)

Pete Namlook was one of the most influential protagonists of ambient music during the 1990s. Inspired by Oskar Sala, one of the pioneers of electronic music, Namlook focused on the untapped potential of analogue synthesizers, often developed or extended in his laboratory. After a nine-year break, the Koolfang series has been resurrected with its trademark "Deep Jazzy Chill-Out" sound, invented long before the current trend of "lounge compilations". This time Pete’s vocals are featured and his voice will go right under your skin and sonically transport you to the beach, the wind, and the salt of Fuerteventura.

Moufang's first solo project for Fax is a pretty minimal affair, similar to the I.F. series but without quite the breadth of sounds. Moufang restricts himself to an 808 and maybe two or three synths for the entirety of the disc, which shifts track to track between moody, soundtrackish ambient and more upbeat techno- and electro-derived listening music.

A less-than-characteristically beat-oriented collaboration with Namlook and Biosphere's Geir Jenssen on the former's noted Fax label. It's a nonetheless stellar four track CD, with lush, well-composed material split evenly between uptempo feet movers and sprawling, stirring ambient. Reissued by Ambient World with different artwork.