Felix Manuel, the talented DJ and producer known professionally as Djrum, showcases his exceptional mixing techniques in his latest album, Under Tangled Silence. In a revealing interview with Resident Advisor, Manuel discussed his unique approach to mixing, highlighting his ability to transition between genres fluidly. One of his favorite techniques involves using an ambient record to create a dramatic shift in energy, while another, known as the crab, is an old-school hip-hop trick that employs his thumb and three fingers to manipulate the crossfader, teasing the next record with rapid, delicate touches.
Armed with only a bag of records, a mixer, and three turntables set up in a battle style, Djrum effortlessly navigates through a wide spectrum of music, including dubstep, drum’n’bass, breakcore, house, techno, hip-hop, trip-hop, drone, jazz, soul, classical, and gabber—all within a single set. A recent example of his prowess can be found in his BBC essential mix, which showcases an impressive collection of 62 records over the span of just two hours. One notable moment includes the innovative scratching of Arthur Russell’s voice layered over energetic kick drums.
In Under Tangled Silence, Djrum achieves a similar level of artistic expression, albeit in a more subtle and poetic manner. Much like his dynamic DJ sets, the album draws inspiration from a myriad of musical influences, reflecting his classical piano training and transformative experiences at London squat raves. However, unlike the high-energy chaos typical of his live performances, this album curates these diverse sounds into a cohesive, fluid masterpiece that is both seamless and technically advanced.
The album’s rhythmic finesse is a driving force behind its appeal, but it is not merely a dance record; rather, it serves as a profound exploration of Manuel's emotional landscape, delivered with an unparalleled level of nuance rarely found in contemporary club music. At its core, Under Tangled Silence synthesizes an array of diverse musical traditions. Although Manuel has been playing the piano since the age of seven, it was only recently that he began to prominently feature the instrument in his productions.
In a 2016 interview, Djrum remarked that the piano segments on his Forgetting EP were largely composed rather than improvised. In Under Tangled Silence, however, the piano takes center stage, often appearing to be played spontaneously. For instance, the track “Waxcap,” the album’s second offering, originated from a jazzy improvisation that Manuel later refined. Additionally, the album features live instrumentation, including harp, percussion, and mbira, with past collaborator Zosia Jagodzinska contributing lush cello lines.
The blending of jazz, classical, and dance music extends beyond the instruments utilized; it permeates the arrangements of individual tracks and the album's overall structure. While most dance music typically adheres to repetitive patterns of eight or sixteen bars to produce a hypnotic groove, Under Tangled Silence avoids such predictability, rarely repeating itself for more than a few measures at a time. The compositions flow like a murmuration of birds, characterized by an under-the-surface quality that mirrors the energy and pace of Djrum’s genre-blending DJ sets.
Each track on the album follows its own unique trajectory, weaving seamlessly into the next to create a beautifully intricate narrative. If one were to visualize the album’s arc, it would resemble elegant calligraphy, filled with dynamic leaps, loops, and curves. The opening tracks, “A Tune for Us” and “Waxcap,” set the stage by fusing Alice Coltrane-inspired spiritualism with contemporary UK club elements, showcasing Manuel's ability to blend different genres effortlessly.
A standout moment comes in the form of “Unweaving,” which features nothing but Manuel on piano, capturing the subtle sound of the pedals being pressed. This piece acts as a palate-cleanser before transitioning into a middle section that incorporates slow-rolling beats, combining elements of dancehall and gqom. By this point, traditional genre markers become inconsequential, allowing for an exploration of sound that transcends categorization.
The album's final suite of tracks showcases Manuel's greatest artistic achievement, merging chaotic elements of dance music to create pieces that are lighthearted, romantic, and mournful. Tracks like “Three Foxes Chasing Each Other” and “Let Me” flirt with breakcore and gabber influences, featuring rapid tempos and punchy kick drums, yet retain the essence of mbira and piano, enriched by the sounds of children playing. The loose dubstep rhythm of “Out of Dust” provides a brief respite before the tension escalates, culminating in the closing track “Sycamore,” an 11-minute epic that juxtaposes frenetic energy with soothing melodies.
This delicate balance epitomizes Under Tangled Silence, a culmination of Djrum's years of dedication and evolution as an artist. While his previous records showcased immaculate production and rich imagination, they sometimes fell short of their emotional potential. In contrast, this latest album stands as a testament to his artistic growth, capturing a profound sense of vulnerability and expression.
Released under Houndstooth, the label associated with London’s iconic fabric nightclub, Under Tangled Silence represents a significant evolution in Djrum's music. Following the release of his previous album, Meaning’s Edge, this new work builds upon his earlier successes, solidifying his position as one of the most innovative artists in the electronic music scene. With its intricate soundscapes and emotional depth, Under Tangled Silence is poised to be remembered as one of the most captivating electronic albums of recent years.
