SEPTEMBER
Max Richter
In a Landscape (Decca)
Max Richter's music is characterized by its emotional depth and blending of classical and electronic genres. His compositions often feature repetitive structures, creating a meditative and reflective atmosphere. Richter employs a wide range of instruments, including traditional orchestral instruments, synthesizers, and ambient soundscapes, to build intricate and layered sonic landscapes.
Mercury Rev
Born Horses (Bella Union)
Mercury Rev’s musical style has evolved significantly over the years. Initially known for their experimental and psychedelic approach, the band has incorporated elements of dream pop, chamber pop, and orchestral rock into their sound. Influences ranging from The Beach Boys and Pink Floyd to classical composers like Gustav Mahler have shaped their music, resulting in a rich and layered sonic palette. The use of unconventional instruments and elaborate production techniques has become a hallmark of their work.
Lana Del Rey
Lasso (Interscope/Polydor)
Lana Del Rey’s artistry is characterized by her ability to merge the past with the present, creating a timeless yet contemporary sound. Her music often references mid-20th-century Americana, Hollywood glamour, and tragic romance, drawing inspiration from artists like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Nina Simone. Del Rey worked with Jack Antonoff in Muscle Shoals, Nashville, and Mississippi to make Lasso, a country album.
Erland Cooper
Carve the Runes Then Be Content with Silence (Mercury KX)
Erland Cooper is a Scottish composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist known for his evocative and atmospheric music. He seamlessly blends classical, ambient, and electronic elements to create soundscapes that transport listeners to the rugged landscapes of his native Orkney Islands. Cooper’s work is deeply rooted in nature and the environment, often reflecting themes of memory, place, and the human connection to the natural world.