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FAUST
Faust IV
BUREAU B - Cat No: BB497
- updated:2026-06-07
Drone, noise, feedback, tape edits, electronics, improvisation — and strangely catchy songs. "Faust IV," the signature work in which Faust dismantled the rock format and built music that sounds like no one else. Essential listening if you have any interest in krautrock, psychedelic rock, or avant-garde sound.
Track List
Faust, which means "Fist" in English are a German rock band. Formed in 1971 in Wümme by producer and former music journalist Uwe Nettelbeck, the group was originally a seven-piece fusing conventional rock instruments with synthesisers and experimental electronics. Working with professional recording engineer Kurt Graupner, the band recorded three albums for Poydor which sold poorly but received critical acclaim for their innovative approach and established a devoted fan base. Along with Can and Kraftwerk, Faust became one of the leading exponents of what became known as krautrock, and for their fourth album, Faust IV, released here at mid-price Faust became one of the early signings to Richard Branson's Virgin label. The album is regarded as a classic of the genre but despite a marketing campaign aimed at introducing the band to British record-buyers, it failed to make much commercial impact and the band broke up when Virgin rejected their fifth album. After a 15 year hiatus three of the original members re-united for some concerts and the band has continued to perform with a changing line-up since then.
Formed in Hamburg in 1969, Faust stood alongside Can, Neu! and Kraftwerk as one of the defining acts of 1970s German experimental rock/krautrock. Released in 1973, "Faust IV" was the final album of the band's early period, and it crystallizes their singular musical vision in vivid fashion.
Running over eleven minutes, "Krautrock" is, despite its title, nothing like typical krautrock. Rhythm gradually rises out of low sustained drones and uneasy noise, with the very mass of sound slowly transforming. From there the album pivots to the oddball pop of "The Sad Skinhead" and the beautiful melody of "Jennifer," then tangles up tape edits, electronic tones and collage-like fragments. It moves between experimental music, rock, psychedelia and pop with astonishing freedom.
Rather than simply performing songs, Faust treated the studio itself as an instrument, assembling music out of chance, noise and editing — an approach that would feed directly into later industrial, noise, ambient and electronic music. Though it's more than 50 years old, it still sounds fresh placed next to today's experimental electronics and indie music. Officially licensed BUREAU B reissue (2025), remastered with liner notes by Patrick Ryder, who joined the band at the time of their reunion. (Original Japanese text by Saito)