Axel Samano – Deus Ex Machina (DCD Album – ScentAir Records)
Genre/Influences: Electro-pop, symphonic-pop.
Background/Info: The best way to
introduce Axel Samano is to read what he has to say: ‘despite the fact I was
born somewhere you call a country; I consider myself a trans-human and a global
citizen, I do not have country, I do not have religion; I believe in nothing
else but in the pure essence of freedom and love, kindness and good actions
towards my Universe. – And nothing else.’ This album features two discs; first
you have the “Deus Ex Machina”-CD and next the more conceptual “The
Storyteller”.
Content: “Deus Ex Machina” is
clearly driven by electro-pop music, but it also is much more than that.
There’s a clear link with 80s influences and especially some electro effects.
The main particularity is the somewhat symphonic-inspired arrangements. The
album features 9 songs sung in English and 9 more songs sung in Spanish. The
Spanish cuts are more dance-like and less ‘inspired’. The vocals are sometimes
a bit whispering-like.
“The Storyteller” is what I would call a conceptual album and, which can be
resumed as a transgender committing suicide and who has to face God. The tracks
are separated in 5 chapters. Each song is preceded by a narration dealing with
the concept. The songs reveal a surprising, but explicit symphonic-pop
approach. All lyrics are in English.
+ + + : The least I can say is that
Axel Samano deals with a rather unusual and original approach in electro-pop
music. The symphonic arrangements are not exactly what you expect by this kind
of music. The songs also reflect a real mature writing. I like the 80s effects
running through the first disc while the concept of the second disc appears to
be a real accomplishment.
– – – : Despite of this artist’s
original approach and a fascinating conceptual disc, I’m not entirely
convinced. The Spanish songs featured at the first disc remain a bit flat and sometimes
sound a bit ‘cheap’. I get the impression the artist has used a lot of simple
preset sounds and that’s a pity as I really believe Axel Samano is a talented
musician. So I expected a bit more in the global sound treatments.
Conclusion: I feel a bit embarrassed
about this work; on one side I especially appreciate the symphonic element,
which has something refreshing, but on the other side the songs don’t sound
fully accomplished.
Best songs: “The Hunter”, “Power And
Glory” + “Fundamentals”.
Rate: (6).
Artist: www.axelsamano.com / www.facebook.com/axelsamanomusic
Label: www.scent-air.com / www.facebook.com/ScentairRecords
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
