DjRUM’s latest album, Under Tangled Silence, marks an extraordinary return for Felix Manuel after a six-year hiatus. It's a work born from adversity, following a catastrophic hard-drive meltdown in 2020, which forced Manuel to rebuild his creations from the ground up. This artistic rebirth has led him to delve deeper into both his musicianship and emotional honesty, crafting an album that seamlessly blends raw vulnerability with impeccable technical finesse.
How DjRUM rebuilds and redefines his sound
The album opens with "A Tune For Us," a track that immediately sets the stage by weaving minimalist piano and intricate jazz-infused percussion into classic jungle breaks, demonstrating Manuel's mastery in fusing genres effortlessly. The intimate musicianship continues with standout tracks such as "L'Ancienne," which expertly blends futuristic dancehall rhythms with ambient textures, and "Galaxy in Silence," where acid house influences are vividly rendered as cinematic experiences.
The depth of Manuel’s emotional and musical journey is perhaps best encapsulated in the meditative serenity of "Hold," and the expansive sonic landscape of the album’s epic closing track, "Sycamore," an eleven-minute odyssey demonstrating both patience and meticulous craftsmanship. Each composition feels intentionally placed, creating a cohesive listening experience that traverses dancefloor intensity and contemplative introspection.
A particularly mesmerizing highlight is "Waxcap." Originally conceived as a solo piano improvisation during lockdown, Manuel revisited the piece much later, enriching it into a richly textured narrative. Inspired by his reflective walks among fields and forests near his home, finding snowy waxcap mushrooms, the track pulses with organic rhythms and delicate melodic layers, evoking the serene yet vibrant life of nature itself.
We go through life. We shed our skins. We become ourselves.
Reflecting on the evolution of Manuel’s sound, it's valuable to revisit earlier work, notably his captivating 2012 single "Watermark."This track serves as an exemplary benchmark for DjRUM's nuanced production and emotive depth, foreshadowing the powerful blend of electronic innovation and classical musicianship fully realized in Under Tangled Silence.
Ultimately, Under Tangled Silence isn't just a return; it's a profound personal statement, marking the emergence of a renewed artistic voice. Felix Manuel stands unapologetically front and center as both composer and performer, offering listeners a deeply moving and sonically rich experience. It’s not merely an album, it’s an invitation into a carefully constructed musical universe that rewards deep, repeated listens.
Tracklist
- A Tune For Us
- Waxcap
- Unweaving
- L'Ancienne
- Hold
- Galaxy In Silence
- Reprise
- Three Foxes Chasing Each Other
- Let Me
- Out Of Dust
- Sycamore