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Previously, we reviewed “These Dreams Are Killing Me,” a single by Louis Cole that served as a preview for “Nothing,” the album we will discuss in this article.
In the same vein as the previous release, *Nothing* is a collaboration with Metropole Orkest and continues to experiment with electronica and jazz. However, the album is surprisingly diverse, with a color palette broad enough to paint an entire musical planet. It begins with a beautiful two-choral piece in “Ludovice” that strongly resembles the introduction to Bach’s magnificent *St. Matthew Passion*. Rock influences and amazing solos are showcased in “A Pill in the Sea,” while “Nothing” is a beautiful string quartet that echoes the late-Romantic style of Schoenberg’s early quartets. “Weird Moments” adds chiptune elements to the mix, and “Doesn’t Matter” is a tragic neo-Romantic string orchestra piece that answers my frequent question of how Takashi Yoshimatsu might sound if he ever experimented with vocal music. The list could go on, but this is just a brief overview of the various colors and styles you’ll encounter throughout the album.
Despite the overwhelming number of references and styles, the album feels cohesive, as if it were a single work unfolding and mutating. This is largely due to the consistent orchestration, with strings never lacking throughout the entire work. Even when some tracks feature fewer instruments, it never feels like a constrained effort or self-limitation.
Some pieces are extremely complex, but *Nothing* remains accessible. You can always find the main element on the surface and use it as an anchor point when you feel lost. As long as you hold onto that prominent surface melody or melodized rhythm, the rest of the elements orbit satisfyingly within your perception.
I encourage everyone to listen to this album. You’ll find beautifully contemplative works alongside dance material, healthy swagger, and plenty of fun.
You can find more information about the artist and his albums on his Bandcamp. Additionally, you can directly support the artist by ordering his new album there. Also, you can find his online shop and merchandise here.
Tracklist:
1 Ludovici Cole Est Frigus
2 Things Will Fall Apart (Ft. Jules Buckley & Metropole Orkest)
3 Life
4 It All Passes
5 Cruisin’ for P
6 A Pill in the Sea
7 Nothing
8 Who Cares 1
9 Who Cares 2
10 Wizard Funk
11 Weird Moments
12 High Five
13 These Dreams are Killing Me
14 Shallow Laughter : Bitches (orchestral version)
15 Let it Happen (orchestral version)
16 Doesn’t Matter
17 You Belonged
