Visual artist, filmmaker, and Paris native Mark Nguyen Tan has been hard at work creating audio soundtracks for his visuals, so it seems. The newly released full-length album from Tan's moniker "Colder" is entitled "Again" and appears to make a run at the possibility of existing as an insightful collection of works. Although particularly thought-provoking when paired with the album's multimedia visuals themselves, the actual production styles of the music are still evolving. Fitting somewhere between Joy Division and retro post-rock electro, Colder's movements are for the most part relatively minimal. The progressions are dub-like and consistent only with themselves, although the vocals and instrumentation receive a bit of daylight here and there throughout the arrangements.
The ever-darkening feel of the album is accented by Tan's calm vocalizations and lyrical content. To the average listener, the distinct wash of retro electro appears to be the standard anchor for the music; but as the droning of the drum-machined grind numbs you, and Colder settles in, your eyes begin to adjust in the darkness. The lucidity of the art begins to flow forth from deep within, and you become fixed upon the fathomless elegance of the wholly minimal works.
If you are looking for a bit of shadowy-retro-minimal post-rock in which to indulge your darkest dreamscapes, then by all means, feel free to pick up Again by Colder and see where the music leads you.
