2methyl – Drowned Landscapes (Album – Murder Channel Records)

Genre/Influences: Industrial, Jazz, Experimental, Glitch, D’n’B.

Format: Digital.

Background/Info: French artist Nicolas Druoton aka 2methyl strikes back with the third full length album in history, which has been released three years after the astonishing “Etched” (2017). He now joined hands together with the Japanese label, Murder Channel Records.

Content: 2methyl is not exactly an artist who is repeating himself. Every album stands for evolution; the exploration of new ideas while holding on a solid basis. It all remains a sophisticated and intelligent production, which sounds more as the result of different influences instead of one established music style. There’s an Industrial sound which has been merged with Jazzy influences and a true Cinematographic style. In the end it all sounds pretty Experimental, but accessible. Notice by the way there’s a surprising cover version of a song by Tom Waits.

+ + + : 2methyl has something of a visionary artist; a project that never stagnates, but looks forward to see if there’s something new visible at the horizon. I’m not saying this work is pure Industrial-Jazz, but I’m sure it will please some Jazz lovers. I like these kinds of challenges, the work remaining complex and not always easy to catch. This is a mix of influences, sometimes even becoming a little bit psychedelic. I however have to say the cover version of “Just The Right Bullets” is a real dreamy and beauty adaptation.

– – – : It’s the first 2methyl production, which can’t totally convince me. This is difficult music, but even after a few listening I have some difficulties getting into it.

Conclusion: I don’t have anything against complexity, but this work is maybe a bit too sophisticated and hard to seize.

Best songs: “Just The Right Bullets”, “Harbor Fog”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/2methylbulbe1ol

Label: http://mxcxhxcx.cocolog-nifty.com /

www.facebook.com/MxCxJPN

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