Neu! '75 – Neu!

Neu! ’75, released in 1975, is the third studio album by the German duo Neu! and a defining statement of the krautrock movement. The record is famously split into two contrasting halves: the first side is serene and atmospheric, with tracks like Isi and Seeland showcasing Michael Rother’s melodic guitar and keyboards against Klaus Dinger’s steady, hypnotic drumming. The second side shifts dramatically into proto-punk aggression, with Hero and After Eight pushing raw energy, distortion, and urgency that would later influence artists from David Bowie to punk and post-punk bands of the late ’70s.

This duality gives Neu! ’75 its enduring power—balancing pastoral beauty with chaotic force, it demonstrates the breadth of the band’s vision. The album has since been recognized as one of krautrock’s most essential releases, bridging minimalism, electronic experimentation, and rock rebellion. Its influence can be heard across generations, from ambient and electronic music to punk, indie rock, and beyond.

Reviews

“Neu! ’75 is both meditative and explosive, a record that captures the band at the height of their creativity.” – AllMusic

“From the calm beauty of Seeland to the raw urgency of Hero, this is an album that defined krautrock’s scope.” – The Guardian

“A masterpiece of contrasts, Neu! ’75 influenced everything from Bowie’s Berlin period to post-punk.” – Pitchfork

“Neu! managed to create music that feels both timeless and ahead of its time—this album is their crowning achievement.” – The Wire