RedazioneJoan Arnau Pàmies’ track AN+RS is a deeply emotional and thoughtful tribute to the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, a figure whose legacy in the world of electronic and ambient music has left a profound mark. As the first single from his upcoming album Guidelines/Fonaments, AN+RS immerses the listener in a contemplative soundscape that bridges the worlds of classical music, electronic experimentation, and avant-garde jazz. Pàmies, known for his unorthodox approach to composition and his blending of diverse genres, has crafted a piece that reverberates with reverence while pushing the boundaries of his own sonic language.
The piece opens with a delicate interplay between piano and subtle electronics, a nod to Sakamoto’s iconic collaborations with Alva Noto. The piano lines, minimal and haunting, serve as the backbone of the composition, guiding the piece’s meditative atmosphere. The electronics, on the other hand, flutter in and out like ghostly whispers, slowly building in intensity. There is a palpable sense of space and time within the track, with each note and sound allowed to resonate and linger, creating a reflective mood. The pacing is slow and deliberate, giving each musical element room to breathe and settle before the next layer is introduced.
The rhythm of AN+RS is ethereal, almost imperceptible at times, but it is felt rather than heard. The percussion, if it can be called that, is mostly absent, with the focus placed instead on the intricate movements between the piano and the ambient electronics. This creates a dreamlike sense of fluidity, where the music seems to unfold naturally, without any sense of urgency. The bassline, soft and submerged beneath the surface, supports the track’s evolving harmonic structure while maintaining a sense of subtlety. This is where Pàmies’ mastery lies—he creates depth through simplicity, ensuring that the emotional core of the piece shines through even as it remains minimal.
The synth work is another standout feature of AN+RS. Rather than overpowering the piano, the synthesizers complement it, offering layers of texture and warmth. The atmospheric pads and subtle glitches evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of Sakamoto’s own work, but with Pàmies’ unique twist. His use of electronics in this piece is gentle and organic, eschewing the sharp, aggressive sounds often found in modern electronic music in favor of something more intimate and personal. The sounds ebb and flow like tides, creating an immersive listening experience that draws you in without demanding your attention.
What is particularly striking about AN+RS is the atmosphere it cultivates. The track’s ambient nature, combined with its sparse instrumentation, creates a sense of emotional openness that allows the listener to project their own feelings onto the music. It is a piece that encourages introspection, providing space for thought while evoking a sense of loss and longing. This quality makes the track not just a tribute to Sakamoto but also a piece of personal expression for Pàmies, as he channels his own emotions through the music.
Overall, AN+RS is a beautifully crafted work that showcases Joan Arnau Pàmies’ remarkable ability to fuse the classical, electronic, and avant-garde into a sound that is both contemporary and timeless. The track is a fitting homage to Sakamoto’s legacy, and it stands as a testament to Pàmies’ own evolving voice as a composer and producer. As part of the upcoming album Guidelines/Fonaments, this track promises to be a significant moment in Pàmies’ career, offering a unique perspective on the fusion of genre, sound, and emotion. We are excited to feature this track in our webzine and look forward to the release of the full album.
