Music For Billionaires
New Focus, 2023
9/10
Listen to Music For Billionaires
The always creative composer Doug Bielmeier presents 5 original experimental pieces that touch on both electronic and chamber ideas, and they welcome a pair of New York City ensembles.
“Wells, ME” opens the listen with plenty of timbral atmosphere, where Bielmeier’s ominous electronics add much mystery to the soft droning, and “Corporate Responsibility Pledge” follows with Unheard-of/Ensemble’s animated string presence alongside the glowing electronic manipulation that allows for plenty of grooves.
In the middle, the bright tone of the electronic fueled “Throwaway Culture” carries a distinct dreaminess that pulsates, while “Slowdance84” features John Dalton’s fascinating drumming amid the hazy electronics that make for a dense and rich album highlight. The West Coast Remix of CRP exits, and spends 6+ minutes mesmerizing us with its dance floor ready melodies and sonic waves of pop fueled energy.
A listen that pushes the boundaries of genre skipping and pays close attention to aesthetics, Bielmeier’s 4th album continues his path of stylish, avant-garde and rhythmic sounds that we could never tire of.
Travels well with: Eric Nathan- Some Favored Nook; Christopher Whyte- Cold Stability