Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Leonard Mostacci - one

4/10/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Leonard Mostacci

One
self-released; 2017

3.8 out of 5

By Dom Eagle

Leonard Mostacci is currently located in Calgary, Albert. He’s been creating densely layered music with innovative and intriguing influences poured into every inch of his work. He had the time to finally produce and release his first album after a few years of self-critically disposing of endless recordings; needless to say, we probably lost out on some other great gems, but such is the curse of perfectionism. This first record nonetheless is ear-candy and a clear indicator of Mostacci’s potential for the future.

​This seven-track EP entitled One opens with the soothing “Breathing Space.” If there was ever a title which aptly described a piece of music, it would be this one. This living entity fluctuates and breathes of its own will; the piano notes twinkle and dance to and fro as flourishes of a tentative trumpet enter the mix here and there. Percussion rattles and shakes somewhere far in the distance of this wide-open track. As an opener, this is a wonderful way to introduce the listener to what is sure to be an artful, introspective piece.

“The Wall Theory” is driven by a clean electric guitar arpeggio which dances above a meaty, throbbing bass rhythm and a slowly pulsing drum beat laden with jazzy cymbal crashes and a lazy, yet precise structure. It’s an instrumental piece, but it is far more grounded than the trippy opener which felt more as if it was taking the listener on a walk through a serene and surreal forest. 

“Fishbowl” is driven by a melancholic and peaceful guitar chord progression. Mostacci’s vocals finally make an entrance on this piece, and they are most welcome among the ethereal, atmosphere of this art album. Tentative, soft and emotive vocals burst into the soundscape, with a subject who gives up and tells some unknown person to “Have it your way / Have it your way.” The emotion of these lyrics and the vocal performance gels perfectly with the equally sombre and reflective chord progression. The trumpet solo towards the climax was a nice addition adding a musical flourish to a song already packed full of human, lyrical flourishes.

“Rain Drops” is driven by a punchy drum beat packed full of catchy, head-bopping fillers and jazzy cymbal crashes. The trumpet returns with a restrained and soft, yet simultaneously bombastic rhythm. Though the human voice is lacking once again, every other instrument attempts something so rhythmically complex that the absence of vocals almost goes entirely unnoticed. Mostacci only uses his voice as an instrument on tracks which he feels really need that.

This EP is packed full of instrumental flavor in the form of addictive bass rhythms, trumpet solos and drumming, yet it also fluctuates into pop-based elements of songwriting at times. Somehow, these two genres never clash, as Mostacci manages to blend these two influences together perfectly into one combined sound that has become entirely his own. He’s influenced, and yet he doesn’t innovate or create unique art for the sake of it. The end result is actually listenable. This is well worth a listen, and I look forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact