★★★★☆
2013 saw Arthur Ashin, better known as Autre Ne Veut, release his self-produced second albumAnxietyto critical acclaim. His latest effort,Age Of Transparency, looks set to follow that lead with some seriously strong production, again by Ashin himself.
Many of the production techniques that made Anxiety the success that it was have been re-used – think warped electronic jazz meets R&B, with some seriously soul-baring vocals. On first listen, Age Of Transparency comes across a little harsh, but stick with it – your ear drums will warm to it. Ashin has delivered the whole package here, launching an interactive companion website at TheAgeOfTransparency.com, complementing the concept of the album – the exploration of the difficulties in making personal connections in the impersonal era that we inhabit.
The beauty of this album is that the conceptactually shines through into the music itself – moments of absolute rarity give listeners access into Ashin’s world, conveying his hardships. It is in this way that Ashin uses his skills in genre-bending to their greatest potential.
This is the kind of record that really needs a few listens before all of its elements can really be appreciated, but is absolutely worth it.
