Genre/Influences: Experimental, psychedelic, cinematographic.

Background/Info: If you’re somewhat familiar with the small, independent and experimental label Frank Mark Arts you for sure will be familiar with both protagonists from this work. Roman Leykam and Frank Mark indeed have already released multiple productions together while they both are established label artists.

Content: This new opus is a sonic travel throughout minimal and experimental-like music creations. The main aspect of the work is a kind of alternative play/use of all instruments. From electric guitar to bass to guitar synths to midi trumpet to fretless bass to shortwaves to voice samples to piano every single piece reveals an atypical and alternative way of using instruments to create noises and sonic atmospheres. From total experimentalism and a kind of improvisation to psychedelic passages, “Experience Space” sounds like being composed in a sonic laboratory instead of a studio.

+ + + : I deeply respect this label and its artists for their perseverance and the never-ending exploration of how to create new sounds with familiar instruments. It creates a specific atmosphere filled with endless effects. Some cuts have a visual appeal and I’m especially recommending the opening cut “Tumult Of The Senses”. There definitely is some prosperity emerging from this experimentalism. This work also features an artistic digipak format.

– – – : This kind of work will always appeal for a very restricted number of adherents. It remains pretty abstract and hard to grasp. I’m missing some real vocal parts to get the entire production maybe a bit more accessible.

Conclusion: Roman Leykam & Frank Mark sometimes make me think of a movie of David Lynch. You try to understand the plot, but in the end you’ll never seize all the details. This is a truly sonic puzzle.

Best songs: “Tumult Of The Senses”, “Sources Of Friction”, “Roots”.

Rate: (6½).

Label: www.frank–mark–arts.com

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: Ambient, abstract, soundtrack, experimental.

Background/Info: Roman Leykam and Frank Mark both are familiar artists active on the Frank Mark Arts roster. They’ve already worked together and released different albums. This project is something new bringing visuals and music together on DVD featuring 14 parts. “The Detection Of slowness” is the first music-film project by both artists.

Content: Both artists are experienced with ambient and experimental music genres. Roman Leykam plays guitar and guitar synths while Frank Mark did the vocals and samples. It all looks like Frank Mark has been more of a contributor to the work of Leykam.

The music reveals an ambient voyage, which is mainly constructed by guitar. Roman Leykam has this power to add a kind of emotion into his composition. Together with the images, which are dealing with an immense water and ocean view, the music brings visions of endless spaces alive. It all sounds very prospered and filled with mysteries. It clearly appeals for the listener’s imagination. A spoken, whispering passage accentuates the sensation of mystery.

+ + + : This work reveals the complementarity between music and visuals. Both elements and artistic arts reinforce the global ambient approach of the concept. The main strength for sure appears to be the guitar playing and treatments by Roman Leykam. This music has nothing in common with the familiar music genres featuring guitar, but reveals an evasive and dreamy play filled with delicacy and emotions.

– – – : The sound and images-formula becomes a bit repetitive after a while. The visuals are pretty similar and you rapidly experience a déjà-vu effect.

Conclusion: I like this kind of concept where different artistic styles are joining hands together. It all looks pretty experimental and minimal-like, but it definitely is one of the most accomplished releases from the Frank Mark Arts roster.

Best songs: “Part 3”, “Part 2”, “Part 10”.

Rate: (7½).

Band: www.facebook.com/FrankMeyerAndRomanLeykam

Label: www.frank–mark–arts.com

Inferno Sound Diaries

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.

www.side-line.com