Disclaimer: This review is biased. Problem?
It was confusion at first listen. But that confusion slowly turned into connection. That pretty much sums up my reaction towards VMPRMYTH’s latest record, HEROINe. Confused because it was a new sound to me and connected because of its genuineness.
I have and always will be a fan of rock and roll but when it comes to electronic, I’m really picky and most times clueless. That said, very few electronic artists allow me to engage on an emotional level but VMPRMYTH a.k.a. Mustaqim Arifin has managed to do just that. As I write this, it is officially the 11th time I am listening to this record.
The Malaysian music scene has seen a number of amazing talents in the electronic scene from frontrunners like Darren Ashley, +2db, Dangerdisko and more and I believe VMPRMYTH has everything it takes to be right up there with them. Wait, I think he is already up there with them.
The record kicks off with ‘Naiveté, which is probably the happiest, most upbeat track in the album before the journey takes a haunting turn with the next track and also my favorite track, ‘M. Alice.’ It starts off with heavy drum and bass and goes into this repetitive piano progression before distorted keys and haunting vocals creep in and eventually ending with a progression that’s seemingly out of Christopher Nolan motion picture.
I wont describe all the tracks as I think this is a record best enjoyed and interpreted by the listener but I will say this, don’t just listen but feel the music. From my brief conversation with the man himself, this record was produced with his heart on his sleeve, so take it in and go on this journey with him. It is dark but it’s a beautiful darkness.
The album will be launching on the 1st of April, which is a week from now, so I will leave you guys with a teaser of what to expect from the album. Enjoy the first track off the album called “Naiveté” below:-
I love his stuff and I cannot wait for more. We hear he is already working on his next record so keep up to date with him here:
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