Louis de Mieulle & Matt Garstka - ​Dual

​Louis de Mieulle & Matt Garstka

​Dual
self-released; 2018

​3.9 out of 5

By Rebecca Rothschild

East coast meets west coast wit the dynamic duo of Louis De Mieulle and Matt Garstka. De Mieulle hails from France but is currently residing in New York City. At home in France, he studied classical music and then in the states, educated himself on black American music. Matt Garstka is a drummer living in Los Angeles and has been classified as a drum "superhero." I have no idea how these two met, and they seem perfectly content to deny me that fun little factoid. I don't take offense. I like when there's a little mystery to be solved. These people on the opposite of the country came together to create the album Dual. This is a fascinating and wildly experiment romp of math rock and neoclassical polyphony.

The music is enigmatic and at times downright perplexing. There is a mix of groovy rock vibes combined with electronic synths and sampled elements. I would say there was a section in each of the eight tracks that I enjoyed. While the album may sound a little off the walls, there is a method at work. There is a pattern where the two build up the individual elements that will eventually formulate a few bars of what sounds like traditional music. They will then deconstruct that traditional just as quickly. Sometimes there are some added parties, a few micro experiments within the larger experiment. Some of it is fun to hear and admittedly I found some of it to be downright grating to the ears.

The two have their roles to play. De Mieulle brings these fabulous little grooves into the mix while Garstka explores the not so beaten of percussion methods in all forms. It's a very enigmatic mix that takes me to acid jazz and experimental rock places I have not been before. I think this is an album that will have great appeal for musicians more than anyone else. I can see jazz, experimental and even indie bands being sucked into their construction and deconstruction of everything. I'll say this, as I write this review, I find it strangely ideal to have it playing while working. There's a productivity to the music that is motivating.

I can see a good deal of non-musicians like myself struggling to find the music appealing at all times. As I said there were some sections that weren’t easy on  my ears. I think that some changes in the production process may be able to help with that because I don't mind erratic or dizzying movements. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered in New York City.

​The big sell on this album is originality and boldness. I would say it's definitely tailored to a very niche market. I respect these two for fully committing to their vision.   

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