ALBUM REVIEW: Random Notes – Waxamilion
Max Dornauer is a jazz-trained guitarist who doesn’t stick to one genre. Challenging his listeners with a blend of RnB, progressive rock and metal, the Austrian musician has released three EPs and two albums under his solo project, WAXAMILION, and has independently organised multiple tours in California, India and Mexico. Now with his new album Random Notes, he seeks to push the boundaries more than ever.
Across just nine songs, Random Notes doesn’t pull any punches. The RnB-infused guitar that makes up Noseblunt provides a smooth start to the album, but it’s Steezy‘s fun, fast-paced and video game-esque sound that really gets the ball rolling. It is a unique and entertaining listen that goes in directions that you’re not expecting.
Even as an instrumental album, the songs work incredibly well together because each has its own sound and all are allowed to have their own space to breathe. For example, penultimate track Feelium (featuring Charlie Robbins) is a short but sweet number with an emphasis on its relaxing guitar. In fact, this entire album could work well in the background for someone studying or reading. It is strongly reminiscent of the resurgent lo-fi genre, and a great reminder that sometimes the best thing to do in life is to relax and take things slowly.
Of course, the elephant in the room is the aforementioned fact that this is an instrumental album and therefore there might be some people who dismiss it for a lack of vocals. But that would be a real shame because in doing so they would miss out on a well-constructed and beautifully made record.
A big part of what makes Random Notes come alive is the production. The care and attention to detail is clear, and the listener is able to notice every addition to every song. It also keeps things cohesive, ensuring that each song works as a part of the whole even though they are all different.
Overall, Random Notes is a fantastic body of work. It is a fun, relaxing and unique album which showcases the best in WAXAMILION‘s guitar playing in particular. Each song is extremely detailed, and it doesn’t matter if a track is long or short as they’re all so hypnotising. Whilst a couple of the songs do drag a bit – for example the aforementioned opener Noseblunt, which may lack a touch of variety – the rest of the record more than makes up for it. By tapping into the lo-fi renaissance, this album is likely to find a niche audience who will lap it up with glee, but it is also a record that can and should be listened to by anyone.
Rating: 8/10
Random Notes is set for release on December 29th via self-release.
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