Luxregem – ÍDEM
Luxregem is a chillwave producer from Mexico City, Mexico. Working mostly in the constraints of chillwave and synthwave, Luxregem released the impressive ÍDEM on June 20th, 2021.
The synthetics may sound ordinary and resurfaced from the 00’s, though Luxregem treats his compositions with respect. The standout tracks are undeniably those that match the synth wave with unruly, unconventional electronics, such as the fantastic Remorse (ft. Ghost Channel). Not only does the track marvellously fuse many ideas into multiple layers, it seamlessly structures them in such a way that melodies complement one another as they progress, rarely repeating an idea. Graphene’s interplay between wobbly synths and shearing walls of sound is both immaculate and stimulating. Whereas a lot of the album sounds akin to straight synthwave, Graphene is one of the only examples that deserve the tag post-synthwave. The closer, Inside Joke, is as enjoyable as it is experimental. Tides (ft. Dreambuster) is the last notable track, for different reasons. The album interplays a simple, yet stunning electronic guitar amid its beautiful iridescent soundscape.
Unfortunately, more than half the album plays it safe. Our Time Together Will Soon Come to an End mostly progresses via pitch manipulations, and rarely has anything to offer aside from an overdone aesthetic. A One-sided Conversation (ft. Lazermortis) is another example of song that barely attempts to expand upon synthwave, and instead retreats boring arrangements. The Kraftwerk inspired vocals on Belfast (ft. Rufe Snow) are both tacky and uninspired; while they seem fitting, they can’t save the boring composition. Tracks like these are long and drag the overall experience down.
It’s undeniable that Luxregem is a skilful producer, though he’s limited by an aesthetic that sound dated. There’s only so much Van Gogh could do using only crayons. No matter how well composed the material is, it will never reach its full potential. There are some gorgeous tracks that stand on their own, though; it almost seems like they were created later in the project’s development. Here’s hoping Luxregem will take more risks in future and develop a sound that’s both more original and identifiable.
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Listen to it here:
Luxregem – ÍDEM
