Romain Frequency – Research On A Nameless Colour (Album – Rock Machine Records)
Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, electronic-ambient.
Format: Digital.
Background/Info: French artist Romain Frequency gained some recognition with his techno-inspired project Electrosexual while he’s also involved in a few other projects such as Dear Strange. “Research On a Nameless Colour” is a solo-album released under his own name and inspired by Derek Jarman’s final collection of Essays entitled “Chroma” released in 1994, the year he passed away.
Content: This work has nothing in common with Electrosexual. The music goes back to early electro-ambient experiments, reminding me of the work of pioneers. It’s not what I would call an ode to J.M. Jarre, Vangelis and co, but an ambient electronic work following the steps of those famous names. Romain Frequency creates ambient spaces filled with analogue treatments and effects, which are creating an evasive sensation.
+ + + : The vintage/analogue touch of the work brings the magic of early electronics alive. Romain Frequency did an honest job and even took me by surprise at songs like “The Colour Of Space” and “Infra Mauve”, which both appear to be the most accomplished cuts. Globally speaking, this album is well crafted and elaborated.
– – – : The first part of the work is pretty exciting, but the magic got lost during the final cuts. I however miss a sort of climax listening to this work. The addition of a few vocals (even spoken) or passages with some chants would have been the little extra to the album.
Conclusion: This is the kind of album that will appeal to lovers of early electronic experiments.
Best songs: “The Colour Of Space”, “Infra Mauve”, “Perfect Blue”.
Rate: (7).
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