Brooklyn-based artist Matt Pavone builds a captivating atmospheric intrigue throughout Indigo Violent, an album whose blend of lush electronica and dark-jazz soundscapes conjures a dynamic array of moods. From the chilly string-laden dramatics of the title track to the dreamy piano-touched glistening within “Anachronism,” Indigo Violent is consistently compelling.
Considering Pavone’s acclaimed screenwriting background, it makes sense that the album feels very cinematic, like a score to a nighttime-set epic. A merging of past and present — specifically, the influence of classic film noirs and contemporary video game soundtracks — complements Pavone’s memorable compositions, resulting in a moodily delightful entrancement throughout. An interesting narrative is embedded underneath, described as telling “the story of a telepath severing ties with predictive programming in order to galvanize an oppressed state.”
Album opener “Big City Lies” invokes that film-noir nostalgia in its eerie piano/strings interplay and booming bass line; one can easily envision a gorgeously grim cityscape setting, particularly as the warming brass arrives. The album is also loosely inspired by New York City, and there’s a late-night jazz sensation apparent throughout the opener that’s especially reminiscent of this — from the quaint piano and jazzy rhythms to the chilling brass accompaniments.
A wonderful fusing of spacey synth-forward atmospherics and burgeoning orchestral beauty linger throughout “Alphabet Cleanse,” an especially consuming display of Pavone’s artistry. The initial synth work pairs buzzing ominousness and lush illumination, stirring thereafter in its haunting wordless vocal feelings, hints of strings, and overall dark grandeur. Indigo Violent presents a fulfilling, atmospheric listening experience throughout that’s akin to a film that rewards a viewer upon each re-watch.
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“The Big City Lies” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Rainy Days and Late Night Drives.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
