Description
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Amon Tobin is a renowned musician known for his restless sonic experimentation and genre-defying soundscapes. With his latest album, “How Do You Live,” Tobin once again showcases his mastery of creating music that is both familiar and yet otherworldly. The album seamlessly blends recognizable sounds with unpredictable, kaleidoscopic elements, resulting in a captivating listening experience.
Throughout his career, Tobin has released music under various aliases, such as Stone Giants, Figueroa, and Only Child Tyrant. However, the release of a new album under his own name is always an exciting event for fans. “How Do You Live” maintains Tobin’s reputation for pushing the sonic envelope and creating music that is often described as difficult or unconventional on paper, but remarkably accessible and enjoyable in reality.
Drawing on his extensive discography, Tobin’s music has evolved over time, starting from his alien trip-hop releases during the Ninja Tune era, such as “Bricolage” and “Out from Out Where.” He further explores ambient omnichord compositions in albums like “Long Stories.” Tobin has a knack for crafting music that captivates listeners with its peculiar inventiveness and undeniable beauty.
One of the standout tracks from “How Do You Live” is the recent single, “Rise to Ashes.” It showcases Tobin’s ability to combine his various musical preoccupations into a cohesive yet otherworldly whole. The song features recognizable sounds, meticulously woven together to create a densely textured and immersive experience. Another notable track, “Sweet Inertia,” featuring Tobin’s vocal alter ego Figueroa, starts with hints of East Asian folk music before delving into an intense, multilayered psychedelic sonic landscape.
Tobin’s talent for collage-like composition shines throughout the album. Tracks like “Phaedra” display his ability to construct fractured sound collages that somehow coalesce into captivating pieces of music. “In a Valley Stood the Sun” presents glitchy, organic sounds masterfully arranged to create an atmospheric and enigmatic ambiance.
While the album loses some momentum in the middle, particularly with tracks like “This Living Hand” and “Button Down Fashion Bow,” Tobin’s skill in crafting intricate soundscapes remains impressive. The album recovers its vigor with tracks like “Now Future,” a mesmerizing barrage of allusive sounds that evokes the wonder and melancholy of movies like “Blade Runner.” “Black as the Sun” combines clattering percussions with expansive sci-fi grandeur, while the closing track, “All Things Burn,” provides a somber and mysterious conclusion to the album.
“How Do You Live” is a testament to Tobin’s continuous pursuit of sonic innovation throughout his over a quarter-century-long career. While it may not represent a great leap forward, the album doesn’t disappoint either. With its depth of sound and attention to detail, it offers a fascinating listening experience that showcases Tobin’s continued mastery of his craft.
For fans of Amon Tobin, as well as listeners interested in artists who push boundaries and defy genre conventions, exploring related musicians such as Aphex Twin, Vangelis, and Ninja Tune’s roster would be a rewarding experience. These artists share Tobin’s dedication to sonic experimentation and have made significant contributions to the music landscape. Whether it’s Aphex Twin’s intricate electronic compositions or Vangelis’ atmospheric and cinematic soundscapes, delving into these artists’ works will provide a captivating and enriching sonic journey.
