7 tracks. Running time 56:43 Two musicians who have their own musical projects and other collaborations have come together for the first time. Conundrum was initially created from improvisational sessions and then subsequently finished by Markus Reuter who did the arrangement and added loops and layers. Ian Boddy (founder of the DiN label) also has an input with Markus on drum programming and additional sequences. Most of the tracks are structured to have rhythmic sections preceded by an atmospheric ambient mood. This becomes obvious in the second track “Bowed Visions”. Haunting tones stretch out across the soundscape; the textures -- clouded quasi-industrial in the background -- and ethereal humming vocals creating a slow motion vision of a distant Asian city. Eventually a kind of squiggly rhythm comes in, gradually building in pace while electric guitar sounds sear hither and thither. Hoffmann-Hoock is known for his Asian flavoured music, especially under his Mind Over Matter recording name, and recently on Visions of Asia which was a collaboration with Peter Mergener. This sonic flavour is most noticeable on the title track “Conundrum”. Metallic and otherworldly drones skate about each other, eventually to be joined by wordless vocals (performed by SiRenee) quivering and “ahhing” like an intimate prayer calling to the Gods. Then a rhythm with an Indian style groove and sound starts up along with brushy percussion, elongated sitar-esque tones quickly snaking across the soundscape, and assorted effects. For me this is the best track. Bringing things to a close is the flowing piece “Moonlit”. A mix of drones and pads slowly shift as though we're moving over a dimly – moonlit – landscape, and in places sparing notes form a nascent melody or just add richness. Here the music hints at various moods from quiet contemplation to lament in a fitting end to the album. After an uninspiring start in the first track, Conundrum begins to slowly entrance the listener. Sonically and atmospherically it's a beguiling work that needs repeated listening sessions for all its secrets to be unravelled.