Italian producer and composer David August releases his new album, D'Angelo, through PIAS Recordings. The classically trained Tonmeister graduate’s sound is difficult to pigeonhole, and attempting to connect the dots between his early dance singles through to his debut album Times in 2013, and his 2016 collaboration with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester can seem daunting. Fusing laidback pop sensibility with moody cinematographic soundscapes, David’s new album is the sound of a young artist getting in touch with their roots, exploring new landscapes and freeing inhibitions...

D'Angelo is an album that will divide listeners pretty evenly between those that love it and those who just don't get it at all. Right from the first play through it's obvious that these 7 tracks (40 min, 49 sec) have been carefully crafted by someone whose been around a bit... and knows what they like.

The songs are diverse and engaging... but their focus is also draining. This isn't an album you can relax and do other things while listening to: it demands your constant attention. It's also not an album you can dance to... This is an album to play in the car or veg out to.

I can imagine 'The Life of Merisi' being used for one of those outrageously ridiculous perfume adverts (possibly Jean Paul Gaultier) although, the ending is incredibly cinematic.

It's an interesting album, and one worth getting to know. There's nothing groundbreakingly original, nor much that is noteworthy, but if you connect to it you'll totally enjoy it.

6

Nick Smithson