If you have a penchant for vivid, cinematic ambient tunes, or if the innovative neo-classical scene piques your interest, this album is bound to captivate you!
For admirers of artists like Scanner, Nils Frahm, and Max Richter who appreciate their neo-classical infused with a hint of experimental zest, Clarice Jensen’s latest release under the 130701 label promises a musical journey of astonishment.
Cellist and composer, Clarice Jensen, presents a conceptual masterpiece centered on chromesthesia – a phenomenon where sound spontaneously conjures perceptions of shape, motion, and color. While such an endeavor may seem audacious, Jensen seamlessly blends it all into a breathtakingly versatile composition spread across seven segments. These segments embody colors symbolizing emotions: Liking (Green), Sadness (Blue/Green), Anger (Red), Disliking (Orange), Joy (Yellow), Fear (Pink/Purple), and Love (Deep Purple). The album’s visual representation? A vibrant color wheel.
Each segment genuinely captures its designated emotion, exhibiting ambient nuances reminiscent of Brian Eno’s iconic albums like Music For Airports and Music For Films. The album boasts rich, overlapping synths that, curiously enough, offer a unique listening experience each time.
ESTHESIS follows Jensen’s critically-lauded 2020 LP, The experience of repetition as death, which debuted amid the pandemic’s onset. Recognizing the context amplifies the resonance of ESTHESIS, and it’s unmistakable how deeply this album will touch its listeners. A blend of melancholy and splendor runs through it, akin to a nuanced wine that reveals more depth as it lingers on the palate.
Opting for the vinyl format enriches the auditory experience, as there’s a certain magic in observing the record spin while taking in the color-themed artwork.
Although each of the seven movements possesses the potential to venture into diverse auditory realms, Jensen skillfully maintains a consistent vibe. Distinct moods are portrayed, yet they carry a signature style, tone, and continuity, making the entirety feel beautifully interconnected.
This album subtly grows on you, akin to moss gradually covering a stone, constantly evolving and shifting in resonance. Jensen’s signature cello, though subtler, fuses with synths and pulsating electronics, compelling multiple listens. As the notes of ESTHESIS envelop you, it’s impossible not to envision grand cinematic moments unfolding. The real wonder lies in where your imagination takes you as you listen.
ESTHESIS – Track Listing
1. Liking
2. Sadness
3. Anger
4. Disliking
5. Joy
6. Fear
7. Love