Nearly five decades after its creation, Manuel Göttsching's groundbreaking New Age Of Earth returns to vinyl, offering a pristine window into one of electronic music's most influential albums. The guitarist and synthesiser player formed Ashra after disbanding Ash Ra Tempel, the outfit he had led since 1971, moving away from the space rock of his previous group toward a far more electronics-based project. Recorded in Berlin between March and June 1976, the four pieces on New Age Of Earth represent the very best of what became known as Kosmische: dreamily repetitive compositions that glance to the stars while keeping feet firmly on the ground. This album stands as a pivotal moment in the evolution of electronic music, predating and influencing genres that would emerge decades later.

New Age Of Earth is a record full of contrasts that showcase Göttsching's remarkable range as a composer and performer. The throbbing, techno-predicting "Sunrain" opens the album with its propulsive energy and forward-thinking electronic textures. "Ocean Of Tenderness," with its waves and crickets sound effects, pulses gently like a space-age interpretation of early Fleetwood Mac, demonstrating Göttsching's ability to blend organic and synthetic elements. "Deep Distance" brings elements of surf music into glacial electronica, creating an unexpected but seamless fusion of styles. At 21 minutes long, "Nightdust" occupies all of the album's second side, presenting a ruminative, slowly unfolding piece that builds toward a crescendo before giving way to Göttsching's impressively celestial electric guitar solo. This extended composition exemplifies the album's meditative qualities and Göttsching's mastery of both electronic and traditional instrumentation.

After an initial European release in 1976 on the Isadora label, New Age Of Earth was re-issued on Virgin Records in Summer 1977 and fast became a beacon for electronic music and what was becoming known as ambient music. Some cite its very title as helping introduce 'new age' music as a recognized genre, marking its historical significance beyond its immediate musical impact.

This re-issue from Proper Records faithfully replicates the original 1977 Virgin Records release and is pressed on 180g heavyweight vinyl, ensuring optimal sound quality while preserving the album's original visual presentation. The release serves both longtime admirers and new listeners discovering this essential chapter in electronic music history.