Aline Umber’s “Album Part II” delivers a profound exploration of electronic music, seamlessly blending textured soundscapes with dynamic grooves. Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, this sequel takes listeners on a journey through innovative rhythms and emotive layers. Inspired by their electrifying live performance for Automatic at Cabaret Sauvage in Paris, October 2023, the album represents a synthesis of creative energies and live collaboration. Featuring five accomplished musicians—Joachim Baumerder and Robin Antunes on strings, Leonard Le Cloarec on flute, Charly Doll on percussion, and Axel Gerard on electric guitar—the record is as much a testament to collective artistry as it is to Aline Umber’s vision. The inclusion of collaborations with studio partners Maxime dB and Krol further underscores the album’s eclectic and boundary-pushing ethos.
The album opens with “Down to Earth”, a track that immediately sets a nostalgic yet forward-thinking tone. Drawing inspiration from the classic Chicago House tradition, its soulful vocals and lush beats weave together a tapestry of past and present. This opener functions as a warm embrace for seasoned listeners while offering a contemporary twist that keeps it fresh. The track’s subtle interplay of groove and melody makes it both accessible and deeply resonant.
“Tell A Vision” continues the journey with quintessential Aline Umber hallmarks: evocative synth lines and a compelling groove. The track’s emotional depth lies in its ability to juxtapose nostalgia with forward-thinking electronic production. Its cinematic quality and intricate layering make it a standout piece, embodying the duality of past inspiration and future aspiration.
A collaboration with Maxime dB, “Emergency” is a musical powerhouse. Designed for peak-time energy on the dancefloor, the track’s intense rhythms and driving beats elevate it to anthem status. The meticulous sound design and dynamic progression showcase Aline Umber’s ability to craft tracks that are both technically impressive and viscerally impactful.
In “Doin’ Acid”, Aline Umber ventures into bold territory, blending the raw edge of acid house with the sophistication of classical instrumentation. Violinists Joachim Baumerder and Robin Antunes deliver a hauntingly beautiful counterpoint to the pulsating 303 bassline, resulting in a track that’s as innovative as it is mesmerizing. This fusion of genres exemplifies the album’s spirit of experimentation and artistic risk-taking.
Closing the album, “Bar 24”—a collaboration with Krol—is a masterclass in subtlety and synthesis. The track’s delicate interplay of synths and understated melodies brings the journey to a contemplative and satisfying conclusion. Here, Aline Umber’s commitment to artistic diversity shines, as the track encapsulates the collaborative essence of the album while leaving a lingering emotional impact.
Aline Umber’s “Album Part II” transcends the boundaries of traditional electronic music, offering a mosaic of sounds that reflects both personal and collective artistry. Each track contributes to a narrative of evolution and innovation, pushing the genre’s limits while maintaining its emotive core. The album’s dynamic interplay of live instrumentation, studio mastery, and collaborative synergy marks it as a contemporary masterpiece. Essential listening for fans of emotive and boundary-pushing electronic music, “Album Part II” solidifies Aline Umber’s place at the forefront of the genre’s evolution.
Words by Holger Breuer
Torture the Artist 