You Can Be My Wave

I was told I would find virtuosic piano played over intricately programmed percussion on this new album from UK electronic artist Djrum, and that was really all I needed to convince me to check it out. Given that description, I was expecting some crazy Aphex Twin-type IDM, and while it does approach that at times, this album is much more versatile. Under Tangled Silence is a collection of tracks that span meditative beat music, solo classical pieces, and disconcerting ambiance. It's also an album that can adapt to whatever scene you find yourself in. Djrum's light timbres, minimal production, and freeform compositions make it a great work companion. However, if you do have the extra brain bandwidth to dissect the incredible musicianship, and immerse yourself in the unique hybrid of electronic and traditional instrumentation, you will find it to be well worth your time.

To dig a little deeper into some of the tracks on here: A Tune For Us opens the record with crisp, agile pianos and somber cello. The percussion that comes in later is very busy with lots of detail in the ride cymbal and ghost notes on the snare. It reminds me a lot of JD Beck's playing. The track also has these clap accents that echo satisfyingly. There's a more traditional, dance beat centre stage on Waxcap, as muted, watery pads support it in the background. This track also has some computerized squelching sounds that are quite ear-grabbing. Unweaving is a rather beguiling piano piece that is classical leaning, but has a few 'spicy' jazz phrases that further adds to its mystery. The intro to L'Ancienne continues with some classical piano, but is accompanied this time by the buzz and hum of alien technological equipment. When the beat drops, we are suddenly transported to a dark and cavernous dungeon with pounding percussion and rumbling ambiance.

A little later, we get another track with its own very distinct vibe. Three Foxes Chasing Each Other has a very lively African sound with dancing mbira, bongos, and hissing cicadas. As the track progresses, the pace steadily gets quicker, the percussion gets busier and more tribal. It's probably my favourite track on the collection. Right after this, we get Let Me which is possibly the most dizzying track on the album with its relentless arpeggios and appropriately matching percussion. The album comes to a close with the eleven minute monster Sycamore. Its instrumentation, aside from the accelerated pace of the percussion, is subtle, however, the images it generates in my head are very clear. I feel like this could score a tense infiltration scene in a spy flick. Senses are heightened as one wrong move could lead to a failed mission, or worse, hostile capture. The last half of the track transitions towards a more ambient finish. The swelling strings, sparse pianos, and generally grey climate suggests we're out of danger, although the implications in the aftermath are anything but comforting.

I really enjoyed this record. I loved the balance of ambient textures and intricate composition. It provides a very pleasing, chill soundtrack, but can also provide a lot of food for thought for those that wish to unravel the thread. The musicianship, especially on the piano, was truly impressive, and while the percussion (I'm guessing) is largely programmed, the fine attention to detail gives the beats so much life. Regardless of how music plays a role in one's life, I can see this album appealing widely to a number of audiences.