Random Access Memories itself, is an exploration of rhythm, carefully blended atmosphere and a definition of composition that’s exquisitely spliced to drive towards a vibrant sequel.
[Release page] Francois Kirmann Gamaury records under the moniker Franz Kirmann and is a French electronic musician and producer, currently based in London, United Kingdom. With a varied and interesting background, not only has he performed in various new-wave bands, he has previously worked in film; Wong Kar Wai and Sergio Leone are filmakers that gave him great influence hence its no oddity that Franz has a penchant for dark ghostly melody.
Random Access Memories itself, is an exploration of rhythm, carefully blended atmosphere and a definition of composition that’s exquisitely spliced to drive towards a vibrant sequel. Modern field recordings are offset against traditional instrumentation – take the lovely affected piano in “Memories / Scars,” which is aligned against textured percussive building blocks. Such composition allows the track to gently speak, while blending seamlessly into the unconventional stirrings created further down the line.
It all starts with, “De 6 a 7,” however. Such is an introduction that sets a scene of delicate passion so well, with a finely timed, fragile melodic sequence. “Liza” is a true mosaic that comes to life with lots of light and delicate shades. A feast of simplistic metallic buzz; a conveyor belt of hatching dreams, idealistic plots, and a clear integration of acoustic percussion that sets itself nicely against the gentle ongoing chatter that’s developed deep from the background of this track. “Tunis” stirs with gentle guitar strings, surrounded by a tranquil calling of mystic notes that are so artistically placed within a template, but driven by consistent rhythm. As the rhythm drops out, it reveals the rich strings that work in a treat like way, before it all comes back.
A cold like call that unfolds with reverberated rhythm and whispering vocal, “L’ennui,” shades notes that intertwine in a delicate way. This track holds a traveling, misty Himalayan, yoga like calm; indeed a track that’s full of its own inner magic.
Moving through the enchanted, to an incredibly strong melodic sequence, ”Lexi” is a track that hooks, and very much possesses, its own driven energy. It’s laced with more random whispering vocal messages. Again, acoustic drums of relative independence come into play, fitting nicely, yet so contrasted. Midway the track launches into experimentation with delayed sounds that tease endlessly and provide an added dimension to this story.
This release is destined to hold curious minds. Sometimes it’s still, sometimes it gathers pace, often creates a scene, and more often, generates a trance. All in all, Random Access Memories gives entrée to a sonic soundtrack.
Random Access Memories out now on Photogram. [Release page]
