WATCH: Medium Douce – Samovar (Live Session)
‘ATTACCA EP’ on Spotify – Apple Music
Electronic-percussion act Medium Douce released their new EP ATTACCA on July 19 via Uppwind Records. The EP’s closing track “Phase” was featured on Uppwind on Air, the first compilation record from Uppwind Records which featured such artists as Digitalism and Satin Jackets.
Medium Douce have shared the stage with the likes of Uppermost, DJ Virginia and Chez Damier, with multiple live recordings available online that testify to their abilities as performers and multi-instrumentalists, including a live set at the legendary Parisian gallery and creative hub 59Rivoli.
Medium Douce is a project established in 2016 by four percussionists and electronic music enthusiasts. They compose all their songs themselves, writing music for a unique array of percussive instrumentation (marimbas, vibes, drums, etc.) and synthesizers. The Paris-based band members Maxime Buffel (synths, DAW), Manon Duchemann (Marimba), Justine Feuillette (Vibraphone) and Johann Feuerstoss (Drums) all began studying music as children before going on to meet at the Conservatory of Versailles, where they were involved in classical and jazz studies.
Their influences are varied and diverse, including the experimental compositions of Steve Reich, the nu-jazz stylings of Bonobo and Four Tet, the loose electronica of Floating Points and the deep techno sounds of Stephan Bodzin. Medium Douce navigate through a range of musical styles from techno and house, to minimal and post-rock.
From the start, the title track “Attacca” sets the tone for the release with ethereal synth tones and a fluid mix of organic, orchestral and electronic percussion. “Beausire” gets right to the point with jazzy house chords over a house beat, making way for glossy vibes near the middle before returning to see the track out in tandem. On “Samovar” Medium Douce begin with loose percussion, laying out a vibrant carpet of colour, before settling into a robust house beat. The release closes with “Phase,” a deep meditative cut that builds to a climax of liquid vibes, impassioned synth arpeggios and scintillating drums before it eases out with full-hearted piano chords over a steady drum pattern.
ATTACCA is a spirited collection of arrangements that allow the listener to fully immerse themselves in a warm, richly textured sonic embrace. It is an impressive showcase of musical talent, sensitivity and creative synthesis.
Medium Douce had the following to share regarding ATTACCA: ‘Part of a basic idea of a loop of two chords, ATTACCA is the result of several collective improvisations and research sessions, where the ideas of each musician come together and agree to create a common sound. This minimalist-influenced music mixes acoustic percussion instruments and repetitive grooves of electronic music. The title is another inspiration from classical music, referring to the initial training of musicians.”
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