Browsing Tag

instrumental

Let go of the tangible and embrace the ethereal with Ltronnika’s latest release, Drifting Away

Posted on 7 February 2024

As an ambient electronica producer, Ltronnika stands as a figure shrouded in mystery, yet their enigmatic presence has done little to dim the allure for their legions of fans. With their latest release, ‘Drifting Away’, Ltronnika sculpted an auditory experience that transcends the mundane and washes away every echo of anxiety.

The instrumental release is a paradox of simplicity and complexity. It’s as if Ltronnika has distilled the essence of a dream and set it to music. The track begins with a subtle, almost understated elegance, but as it progresses it reveals layers of sound that are both intricate and immersive. The use of piano keys is an infallible artistic statement; each note, a brushstroke, adding depth and emotion to this sonic canvas.

Drifting Away is a journey, but not one with a clear destination. Instead, it invites listeners to lose themselves in the experience, to let go of the tangible and embrace the ethereal. The ambient leftfield house elements serve as a guide, leading you through an otherworldly landscape. Do yourself a favour, and dive in.

Drifting Away was officially released on January 30th; check out the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Joseph Batrouney gently deconstructed the monocultural mould with his jazz fusion score, At Hand

Posted on 16 December 2023

For his latest seminal piece, Joseph Batrouney collaborated with Niran Dasika, Flora Carbo, and Jacques Emery to orchestrate a beguiling instrumental serenade, which sees jazzy smoke signals billow through the progressions in the sublime score, At Hand.

At Hand stands as a beacon of his unique musical vision, seamlessly blending influences from Middle Eastern, jazz, and flamenco traditions. Batrouney, with his profound understanding of musical fusionism, presents a track that is as organic and fluid as a meandering river, gently challenging and deconstructing the monocultural mould. The track moves with a natural grace, each note and rhythm flowing into the next, creating a harmonious and captivating auditory experience.

Batrouney’s musical skills, honed under the tutelage of luminaries like Tony Moreno, Nate Smith, and Israel ‘Piraña’ Suarez, and through his studies at prestigious institutions like Monash University and New York University, shine brilliantly in this release. His ability to infuse his music with a rich tapestry of rhythmic textures and motions is evident in every beat.

The artist’s noteworthy performances, including appearances alongside the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and tours with Arte Kanela Flamenco, have undoubtedly contributed to his deep understanding of rhythm and melody. This understanding is palpable in At Hand, where every chord and rhythm seems to tell a story, inviting listeners into Joseph’s world of rhythmic exploration and cultural fusion.

At Hand was officially released on the 20th of November ahead of the EP of the same name, which subsequently reached the airwaves on December 8th. Stream the EP on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Marlon Bianco used psychedelic subversion in his cosmic jazz surf single, Telecosmo

Posted on 9 December 2023

Telecosmo by Marlon Bianco is a frenetic odyssey that propels listeners into a cosmic realm of sound while showcasing the artist’s unique ability to blend diverse genres into a cohesive and captivating sound. Bianco, a self-taught musician and former frontman of Dead Coast, demonstrates his eclectic influences and experimental spirit in this single.

Bianco’s mastery in synthesising multiple genres, including jazz, blues, psychedelic surf, and cosmic pop, results in a composition that is richly layered and full of sonic wit. The jazz elements stand out with their complex time signatures, adding a dynamic and somewhat unpredictable rhythm to the mix. This jazz foundation, combined with the other genre influences, creates a sensation akin to a futuristic gameshow theme, transmitted from a distant galaxy.

The production of Telecosmo is a testament to Bianco’s artistic evolution. Recorded and produced by Monte at The Adriatica Studio in the UK and mastered by Francesco Gaudio at StudioGaudio Taranto in Italy, the single benefits from a high-quality production that enhances its intricate layers and textures.

The track is a clear indicator of Bianco’s continuous evolution as a musician and composer. As he prepares for more shows in the UK and a new album release followed by a European tour in 2024, fans can anticipate swathes more innovative and captivating music from this talented artist.

Telecosmo was officially released on December 1st; hear it on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bear witness to the Avant-Garde finesse in Sairen’s Branca-esque post-rock instrumental score, Délivrance

Posted on 5 December 2023

The post-rock artist and composer, Sairen, created the embodiment of cinematic tension in his seminal instrumental score, Délivrance. This seven-minute piece flourishes distinctive avant-garde flair, marking it as a standout creation in the realm of modern instrumental music.

The track’s progression is a journey through the artist’s intricate vision, characterised by eloquently moody tones and a sophisticated use of musical elements. Sairen’s expertise in blending diverse musical influences is evident here. From the harbingering guitars that siren through the track to the tenaciously placed cymbal crashes, each element is carefully crafted to contribute to the overall narrative of the piece.

One of the most striking features of “Délivrance” is the introduction of chamber strings, which seamlessly complement the sonic spectacle of the crescendos. This inclusion not only enhances the track’s emotional depth but also showcases Sairen’s ability to fuse classical sensibilities with modern post-rock aesthetics.

The middle-eight of the track is particularly noteworthy. Centred around the motif of a ticking clock, it builds a palpable sense of drama, leading to a break into an arcanely all-consuming sequence that can only be described as filmic ingenuity. This segment demonstrates a touch of Glenn Branca in its composition, highlighting Sairen’s skill in creating complex, layered soundscapes.

Sairen’s background, with his early introduction to music and his affinity for baroque, romantic, dark metal, and post-rock, shines through in this creation. He bridges these seemingly opposite genres, crafting a unique sound that is both haunting and enchanting.

Délivrance was officially released on November 7th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Omni Optometrist prescribed the antidote to sonic monotony with his jazzy prog-rock track, ‘Converging Forces’

Posted on 17 November 2023

Omni Optometrist’s (AKA Mitch Protheroe) jazzy synth-driven prog-rock-driven soundscapes won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for the antidote to sonic monotony, look no further than his latest Avant Garde orchestration, Converging Forces.

Between the frenetic time signatures which the scintillating symphonic tones weave through, there’s just enough room for star-roving constellations of trip-hop to add to the superlative almost dystopic in nature instrumental score, which adds a touch of interstellar ambience to the release.

Along with Omni Optometrist, Mitch Protheroe’s creativity has known many guises; he started composing under the name Of Keys and Cages in 2008, since then, he has released several jazz fusion records and has only become more ambitious with each subsequent release. After honing his production skills, he’s reworking his old demos and slowly but surely started introducing them to the airwaves from his studio in Florida. If Converging Forces set the standard, we can’t wait to hear what follows.

Converging Forces is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Fabian Jeller took his listeners ‘From Zero to Infinity’ in his latest composition

Posted on 27 September 2023

The classically trained pianist, electronic music producer and composer, Fabian Jeller used every modicum of his training and talent honing to mark his evolution towards a more viscerally stylistic, organic, and colourful tonal palette in his most seminal single to date, From Zero to Infinity.

The synthesis of classical instruments in the electronic soundscape embodies the vivaciousness of a full symphony orchestra to take you on a journey of vibrant transcendence via the arrangement of the synths and strings, which work in absolute synergy to ensure you sonically arrive at the destination the Italian virtuoso intended.

Blissful, rejuvenating, and deeply evocative in inexplicable equal measure, From Zero to Infinity captures the momentum of life, and all the stratospherically colossal twists and turns it leaves us with no option to traverse. As Bill Hicks once famously said, it’s just a ride. Jeller proved the intrinsic beauty in that ride. Strap yourselves in and surrender yourself to it.

From Zero to Infinity arrived on the airwaves on September 16; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mother Pangea followed the muse into unchartered territory with ‘tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL’

Posted on 17 August 2023

Mother Pangea captured the mystery of his Middle Eastern roots in his latest melodically enticing single, tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL.

The neo-classic electronic hip-hop score may reach the pinnacle of experimentalism, but the artist’s inclination to follow his muse into unchartered new territory didn’t diminish the accessibility of the release; to date, tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL has clocked up almost 40k streams, and counting.

After being fascinated by the way instrumentation drives our emotions, especially by the hand of Yanni, Hans Zimmer, and Tyler Bates, Mother Pangea was keen to awaken evocative impulses with his own compositions; never one to discriminate on genre, he often turns his talents to emanating elements of pop, RnB, Indie, House, and EDM in his hybridic compositions which break every mould known to man, and a few more that are beyond our consciousness.

tHE mISERABLE fOSSIL was officially released on July 28th; stream it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unleashing a Sonic Odyssey: ‘Man on a Mission’ by ZeusABNS

Posted on 28 June 2023

From the very first notes, ZeusABNS grabs your attention with the hypnotic and glitchy sounds that lay the foundation of the track. The pulsating rhythms and intricate layers of electronic textures create an otherworldly atmosphere that draws you in, setting the stage for what’s to come.

As the song progresses, you might initially expect an instrumental piece, but ZeusABNS surprises us with captivating vocals. The half-sung vocal style adds an intriguing dynamic, blending seamlessly with the atmospheric backdrop. The lyrics of “Man on a Mission” exude a sense of determination and purpose, inviting listeners to embark on a sonic odyssey alongside the artist.

ZeusABNS showcases their versatility as both a producer and a vocalist, skillfully crafting a balance between the ethereal instrumentation and the compelling vocal performance. The seamless fusion of these elements results in a track that is both captivating and dance-worthy.

To delve deeper into the world of ZeusABNS, their social media platforms provide a wealth of additional content. On Instagram (@zeusabns), fans can stay updated with the artist’s latest releases, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and artistic inspirations. Facebook (facebook.com/Zeusabns) offers a community space where fans can connect, share their thoughts, and join discussions about ZeusABNS’ music.

For an immersive visual experience, ZeusABNS’ YouTube channel (@zeusabns) offers a platform to explore their music videos and visual collaborations, providing a deeper understanding of their creative vision. Additionally, on TikTok (@zeusabns), fans can catch snippets of their creative process and enjoy bite-sized musical moments.

This track invites listeners to embark on a mesmerizing journey through its pulsating rhythms and dancy lyrics. With ZeusABNS’ social media presence, fans can further engage with the artist’s music and gain insights into their creative world. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to stay connected and be a part of their evolving musical endeavours.

MJSB spilt sonic synaesthesia into the deep house grooves of her latest single, Bright Green

Posted on 22 June 2023

With her recently released EP, From Nothing, to Rushing, the UK artist and producer MJSB reconstructed the house genre by weaving a tonally sublime tapestry of sub-genre signatures.

The standout single, Bright Green, is a synaesthesia-spilling triumph of an instrumental hit, which paints verdant hues across the intuitively deep progressions that know just how to key into your rhythmic pulses and transport you through MJSB’s sonic visualisation of infectiously high-vibe energy and emotion. Tranquil and tantalisingly momentous in equal measure, hitting play on Bright Green is cheaper than therapy but can be as equally advantageous to your chi.

MJSB has been contributing to the airwaves since 2017. Since, she has received the support of BBC Introducing, been spun on the BBC Radio 1 Dance Show and worked with labels such as 1980 Recordings, 33 Music and Eton Messy Records. Her hit records have become a staple on Spotify editorial playlists, including UK House Music and Housewerk. With plenty more material in the pipeline, she has exactly what it takes to become one of the biggest names in the domain of UK house.

Bright Green is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Synth yourself to sleep with Curtis Melton’s Firefly Lullaby

Posted on 14 May 2023

The endlessly accoladed American composer, conductor and music educator Curtis Melton dusted off his analogue synths to orchestrate the ultimate instrumental soundtrack to synth yourself to sleep.

Firefly Lullaby is a definitively 80s ambient score with majestic overtones that invite you into a scintillating fantasia of pop and romanticism-soaked synthwave; insomnia doesn’t stand a chance against the glistening motifs and crescendos that are endlessly efficacious in their ability to allow your subconscious to take the lead.

His sonic scores are achievements standing alone. In addition to them, in 2015, he was nominated for “Best Original Score” at the Idyllwild International Film Festival, in the same year, he won “Best Original Song” at the Las Vegas 48 Hour Film Festival. He was named a finalist in the Ravel Association International Soundtrack Competition in Italy in 2016, and was named a semi-finalist in The American Prize Composer Competition in 2018 for his original works “The Genesis Effect” and “Forever Through The Fire”.

Firefly Lullaby hit the airwaves on May 1; hear it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast