Elsewhere

現代クラシックとエレクトロニック・ミュージックの交差点を再定義する代表的なアーティストGrandbrothers。本作では彼らの代名詞であるグランドピアノのサウンドを超えて、アナログ・シンセサイザーやドラムマシンを取り入れ、よりフィジカルでリズムを重視した美学へと大胆で創造的な進化を遂げています。今作は彼らにとって最も変革的なアルバムであり、感情の深みとディテールを保ちながら未知の領域へと踏み出す再創造の試みと言えるでしょう。新たに自身で設立したレーベル「and others」からのリリースとなります。

German duo Grandbrothers became known for creating songs using a grand piano equipped with acoustic pick-ups and electromechanical devices, transforming a single instrument into a massive sound bank. Theyve been classified as neoclassical by default, but their music is far more rhythmic and dance-influenced than that categorization suggests, exploring thumping polyrhythmic techno as well as organic downtempo closer to Four Tets domain. After recording their fourth album, Late Reflections, in the Cologne Cathedral, Grandbrothers felt that theyd taken their concept as far as it could go, and wanted to approach things from a new perspective. The first release on their own _and_others imprint, Elsewhere marks the first time Grandbrothers have used analog synthesizers and drum samples in their music. Their dance leanings are more pronounced now that their beats are punchier, and there are lower bass frequencies in their music. "Fable" sets up a rhythm with knocking garage breaks, then the dramatic piano melodies and synth textures take over. The progression and emotional climaxes of "We Collide" suggest an attempt at writing a Bicep-style club anthem. "Velvet Roads" incorporates shuffling breakbeats, swooping strings, and a hint of rave nostalgia. "Cypress" has clicky, glitchy textures and upfront kick drums, as well as fluid bass that sounds live rather than programmed. The appropriately titled "run.run.run.run.run" kicks into high gear, with its sprinting rhythm sounding like the music for a racing montage. If theres a drawback to Elsewhere, its that some of the melodies can be quite generic, and it ends up closer to background music for commercials or corporate training videos than its creators intended. Still, theres no denying the duos talent and creativity, and they are challenging themselves to do something they havent done before. ~ Paul Simpson

ピアノを軸にモダン・クラシカルとエレクトロニック・ミュージックを融合した音楽性で人気のデュオによる2年ぶり5作目。多幸感溢れるブレイクビーツ"We Collide"やストレートなダンス・トラック"Where Else"など、これまでの制作方法にアナログ・シンセやドラムマシーンを取り入れることでフィジカルな要素を増し、新たなる領域に到達しています。
bounce (C)藤堂輝家