NEU! Band Description
NEU! is a legendary German band that played an instrumental role in the development of the Krautrock genre and left an indelible mark on the history of progressive rock music. Formed in 1971 by Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother, NEU! was one of the most influential bands in the German underground music scene, and their music has been praised for its experimentation and innovation. This web-page will provide an overview of the history of NEU! and their musical style, and will explore their influence on the development of progressive rock.
History
Klaus Dinger and Michael Rother were both members of the influential German band Kraftwerk, but left to form NEU! in 1971. Their first album, NEU!, was released in 1972 and was a critical success. The band followed up with two more albums, NEU! 2 and NEU! '75, before disbanding in 1975 due to creative differences between Dinger and Rother. They briefly reunited in the 1980s to release two more albums, NEU! 4 and NEU! '86, but never achieved the same level of success as their earlier work.
Musical Style
NEU!'s music is characterized by its experimentation and use of repetition, which was a departure from the traditional rock music of the time. They utilized electronic and acoustic instruments in equal measure, and their use of drum machines was particularly influential. The band's sound is often described as "motorik," which refers to the steady, driving beat that underpins many of their songs. This sound has been compared to the sound of a train or a motor running, and has been widely imitated in the years since NEU! disbanded.
Influence on Progressive Rock
NEU! was one of the most influential bands in the development of the Krautrock genre, which emerged in Germany in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The band's use of repetition and electronic instruments was particularly influential on the development of electronic music and ambient music, and their influence can be heard in the music of bands like Kraftwerk, Can, and Tangerine Dream. NEU!'s influence on the development of progressive rock is particularly evident in the music of bands like Radiohead and Sonic Youth, who have cited the band as a major influence.
