Krautrock

Krautrock is a genre of experimental rock that developed in West Germany in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It grew out of the German underground and countercultural scenes and drew on influences from psychedelic rock, electronic music, musique concrète, jazz, and minimalism. The term originated in the British press as a somewhat dismissive label for German bands, though many artists later embraced or redefined it.

Musically, Krautrock is known for extended, often improvised or cyclic compositions, hypnotic rhythms, and the use of electronic instrumentation such as synthesizers, sequencers, and tape effects. A hallmark is the motorik beat—a steady, driving 4/4 groove used by groups like Neu! and Kraftwerk. The sound emphasizes texture and atmosphere over conventional song structures, with experimental approaches to melody, harmony, and form.

Key acts include Can, Kraftwerk, Neu!, Faust, Amon Düül II, Ash Ra Tempel, Guru Guru, and Cluster, among others. The movement benefited from collaborations in studios and the support of independent labels. Some bands pursued a more electronic and minimalist direction, while others emphasized instrumental exploration and improvisation, shaping a wide spectrum within Krautrock.

Legacy and influence extend beyond Germany, informing European experimental and electronic music. Krautrock helped lay groundwork for ambient, post-punk, industrial, and techno genres, and continued to inspire later generations during revival periods and academic study. The term remains debated, with some artists rejecting it as a marketing label rather than a precise movement, while others regard it as a useful umbrella for a distinctive German experimental current.