Electronic music can on occasion be just as boring and unimaginative as any another form of music, and some of the more ambient pillows of cotton candy synthesizer fluff will definitely eliminate your insomnia. The more elaborate the compositions the better, though my preference remains including other traditional instruments, whether up-front bass, organic drums and silvery guitar streaks, traits which incidentally characterized Tangerine Dream at their finest, at least in my opinion. The attraction to plunge into this new artist arose from reading and researching the credits (a well seasoned practice in trying to determine if it fits within my parameters) and the gamble surely paid off in spades.The musician in question is Marius T. Robech from Bergen, a highly talented multi-instrumentalist manning banks of assorted synths but who does not hesitate to dabble in stunning bass lines, occasional astonishing e-piano as well as some thrilling electric guitar runs. There is also veteran drummer Sondre Veland (Major Parkinson, Wardruna) to administer the percussive foundation, adding to the intimate and organic feel.
The opening track “Unknown Overture” is exactly the style I adore within this genre, staying far away from conventional ho-hum sequencing and relatively shallow chords, and often unoriginal playing that evokes indifference at best. Here the premise is expertly blended to compose outright musical pieces, within a transparent classical structure, infusing endless development, counterpoint dabbling when needed, and of course, a strict adherence to melodic function. Each of these properties are tabled here with a sense of confident bravado and astute intention.
Even a shorter piece like “The Apanthropist “ (a person with a love of solitude) supplies more than enough serene thrills, focusing on vivid sonic images that suggest immediate impact, due to a simple overriding melody easy to latch onto and revel in its glory. The understated piano and rhythmic pulse are pure delights in permeating the mind with sensations and reverie.
The epic showcase “Latibulate” (To retreat) fits exactly the premise, a willful escapist introspection of sound that seizes the moment with an electro-jazz feel, immediately proven by the shuffling drums, the slinky guitar chops and a haunting 70s-like orchestral sound score, endlessly coiling like a devout reptile in search of prey. Sophisticated strides , intoxicatingly evocative and subtle variations, a surefire delight.
“Nikhedonia”(the pleasure of anticipating victory) might be perceived as being confident cockiness, but Marius warrants the prize with another suggestive tour de force. The drum work verges on stupendous as it keeps the tension constantly effervescent, the repetitive theme breaking down the barricades, and boldly moving into funky rhythms that come from out of nowhere. Moody melancholia meets exhilarating speed, a rampage where expansive synthesizers flail away in a wall of sound effect that cannot fail to impress.
The title track expands over a quarter of an hour, consecrating this impressive addition to my collection. The initial restraint shown is addictive, the slow building melody led by an elegant piano that shudders in sorrow, and the eventual elevation to a higher realm of discovery where flickering organ and bass entwine. Once again, the rhythmic display is world class, pumping just the right dose of energy into the kaleidoscope of sounds. In my experience, combining electronics with jazz elements rarely works but Robec delivers a delicate flame of desire that can only astound. Not a second of tedium on this 45-minute album, it comes highly recommended for those fans looking for a new buzz.
A new companion to Holle Mangler, a splendid German artist who I have fallen in amazement with lately, as well as the Tobor Experiment from Italy, both indicating the advent of a new crop of intuitive musicians that are daring to carve new electronic horizons. You can find this gem at https://robec.bandcamp.com/album/the-forest-is-too-loud, you can listen and let me know what YOU think !
4.5 noisy trees