Limbus 3

Introduction to New-Atlantis

In 1969, Limbus 3 released their debut studio album titled New-Atlantis under the CPM label. This album, subtitled Cosmic Music Experience, emerged from the experimental music scene in Germany. The trio, formed in Heidelberg in 1968, consisted of Gerd Kraus, Odysseus Artner, and Bernd Henninger. They would later expand with percussionist Matthias Knieper to become Limbus 4.

Recording Details

New-Atlantis was recorded at CPM-Studio in Erlangen. The trio took a hands-on approach, producing the album themselves with the support of the label's engineering staff. This self-produced effort allowed them to experiment with various sounds and formats.

Instrumentation and Style

The album features an impressive range of acoustic and world instruments. These include the piano, cello, violin, acoustic guitars, transverse flutes, and recorders. Additionally, Limbus 3 incorporated traditional instruments from Madagascar. The valiha, faray, and tsikadraha are among these unique additions. They also created a self-invented instrument called the "totalophon." This eclectic mix contributes to the album's experimental character.

Track Overview

New-Atlantis consists of four tracks. Side A features three free-form acoustic improvisations. The tracks "Oneway-Trip," "Valiha," and "Breughel's Hochzeitstanz" showcase the trio's improvisational skills. Side B is dedicated entirely to the title suite, "New-Atlantis (Islands Near Utopia)," which spans 18 minutes. This lengthy composition allows for an exploration of soundscapes and thematic development.

Conclusion

Limbus 3's New-Atlantis was released in 1969 on CPM with the catalog number CPM LP-S 001.