The Sonic Wizardry of Djrum: Unpacking the Magic of “Under Tangled Silence”
In the world of electronic music, few artists have mastered the art of genre-hopping like Djrum, aka Felix Manuel. With his latest album, “Under Tangled Silence”, he takes his listeners on a mesmerizing journey through a kaleidoscope of sounds, weaving together threads of jazz, classical, and dance music into a rich tapestry of sonic wizardry.
The Art of Mixing
Manuel’s DJ sets are legendary for their ability to seamlessly blend disparate styles, from dubstep to hip-hop to classical. He achieves this through a combination of clever mixing techniques, including the use of ambient records to create dramatic shifts in energy and the “crab” trick, where he teases the next record in tiny, rapid-fire slivers. This mastery of mixing is evident in his recent BBC essential mix, which blazes through 62 records in just two hours.
The Album’s Sound
“Under Tangled Silence” distills Manuel’s eclectic influences into a fluid, seamless, and technically virtuosic album. The rhythmic finesse that drives most of the album is tempered by a level of nuance that’s rare in club music. Piano is the lead instrument, with Manuel playing off the cuff, as well as incorporating live instruments like harp, percussion, and mbira. The result is a sound that’s both mercurial and emotionally rich.
The Melding of Genres
The album’s greatest strength lies in its ability to meld seemingly disparate genres into a cohesive whole. Manuel’s compositions move like a murmuration of birds, sloping and swerving, dipping and soaring. The album’s arc is carefully plotted, with each song tracing its own meandering path before joining seamlessly with the next to form a larger, beautifully winding shape.
The Art of Composition
Manuel’s compositions are characterized by their unpredictability and intuition. He eschews traditional genre signifiers, instead opting for a more free-form approach that allows him to explore the full range of his musical influences. The result is an album that’s both bold and gentle, with a sense of narrative that’s both intuitive and unexpected.
The Evolution of Djrum
“Under Tangled Silence” marks a significant departure from Manuel’s earlier work, which often felt like a long, patient journey toward an ambitious goal. This album is the culmination of years of dedication to his craft, and it’s clear that he’s finally arrived at a place where he can fully realize his artistic vision. The album’s success is a testament to Manuel’s growth as an artist, and it’s a must-listen for fans of electronic music.
Actionable Insights
- Djrum’s ability to blend disparate genres is a key factor in his success as a DJ and producer.
- The album’s use of piano and live instruments adds a level of nuance and emotional depth to the music.
- Manuel’s compositions are characterized by their unpredictability and intuition, making for a listening experience that’s both bold and gentle.
- The album’s careful plotting and pacing create a sense of narrative that’s both intuitive and unexpected.
Summary
“Under Tangled Silence” is a masterclass in sonic wizardry, showcasing Djrum’s ability to blend disparate genres and create a rich tapestry of sound. With its fluid, seamless, and technically virtuosic production, this album is a must-listen for fans of electronic music.