Ajedi – When The Fire Fades
Ajedi is a solo producer from Switzerland. His latest work combines drum n bass, alternative rock, edm, metal and stoner rock. The resulting album is a wonderful display of genius ideas that are somewhat poorly and conventionally tied together.
The album works best when utilising electronic manipulation to a desired effect. The Deepest Dive utilises a relatively cliché effect in a grandiose manner, Error is wonderfully trippy, and Magnolia utilises its space-rock vibe to a commendable extent. The overall aesthetic of the album is incredibly noteworthy, though it can’t help sound like it relies too heavily on its aesthetics. Furthermore, some tracks are too conventional, such as the standard chord progressions of Holy Ground, the relatively stale melodic structure of Sky High, or the ordinary arps of Ghost in the Shell. At times the formula works; WARNING is tense and invigorating, yet it builds to nothing. While these songs are immaculately produced and boast a widely creative and lustrous atmosphere, they can’t help but sound predictable.
Strangely, while the drum arrangements and progressions of Box in a Bubble were incredibly noteworthy, the percussion on When the Fire Fades is severely lacking in comparison. L33CH utilises some impeccable electronic manipulation, though the drums sadly lack progression. Much could be said about the opener, Ellipsis; acoustic drums add much needed dynamics, and the accompanying atmosphere is wonderfully dense, but the composition is lacking. The drums are their worst when they imitate dance conventions, such as during the overly conventional and monotonous The White Rose; the beats on When the Fire Fades pale heavily in comparison to Ajedi’s former works.
Since Box in a Bubble, Ajedi has clearly improved upon his production and atmosphere-cultivation skills. Like the incredible band Nine Inch Nails, though; the progression in style and sound has lost the energy and personal touch. Much of the album is style over substance. One can’t help imagine how this album would have sounded with a more refined and progressive drum track; if only the Ajedi of Box in a Bubble experimented with these sounds in the same manner as that album. Hopefully When the Fire Fades is a detour in Ajedi’s discography, since the producer is capable of so much more.
Average
Ajedi – When The Fire Fades
