‘A Vibrant Sea’ is exactly the record you’d expect from a project named Present Paradox. Part obscure, part introspective, and certainly wholesome and intense, the album wraps listeners into an alternative aural universe, a place dominated by David Kleinekottmann’s gloomy and deep vocal tone. Hailing from Dortmund, the German creative and multi-disciplinary artist has taken an interest in what could be described as ‘moody’ material, tracks that feel evocative and hypnotic, a product of purposeful musical research.
Packed with eight like-minded pieces sharing a variety of emotional states, ‘A Vibrant Sea’ shares a certain dualism, with tender, laidback cuts co-existing alongside more dynamic and urgent efforts. For instance, the opening title track is rather crepuscular and stripped-back, dominated by acoustic guitars and folk-like allure; there’s a certain melancholia in it. Follow-up ‘Office Words’ jumps into the meanest darkwave and post-punk territories, with a striking bassline supporting Kleinekottmann’s anthemic vocals. This is all a Paradox, indeed!
Delving deeper into the meaningful ethos that propels the single, Kleinekottmann explains: “It explores the feeling of missing the mark, a state in which something seems within reach but slips away at the decisive moment. It’s less about failure and more about hanging in the air”. Overall, ‘A Vibrant Sea’ is a wonderful musical discovery, the product of honest, authentic artistic work. Present Paradox fiercely builds his own path: no trends allowed.
Recommended! Discover ‘A Vibrant Sea’ now: