Autre Ne Veut: Alternative R&B for Generation Z

Age of Transparency was released October 2 through Downtown Records.

Photo courtesy of prettymuchamazing.com

Age of Transparency was released October 2 through Downtown Records.

   As the first quarter at AHS reached its onerous close, I came to the frightening realization that my musical library was almost as much in need of a new boost as my grades. After scouring the Internet during an acceptable increment of allotted homework time, Spotify’s latest release page finally answered my prayer in the form of Autre Ne Veut, brainchild of Arthur Ashin, North Carolina’s neo soul multi- instrumentalist with a penchant for impassioned verses and avant garde electronic beats.  His newest album, Age of Transparency, provided just the musical kick in the butt my playlists were looking for.

      Ashin has released three previous EPs since he began recording as Autre Ne Veut, which is French for “I think of none other” in 2010. Age of Transparency, which was released on October 2 through New York City- based Downtown Records, explores an almost entirely uncharted area of the indie music realm.   Swooping electronic rhythms, paired with Ashin’s dominant, yet versatile vocal range, allow this album to locate glimpses of total creative genius and shape the album into an indie music lover’s must-listen.

Best Tracks

   In songs “World War Part 2” and “Age of Transparency,” Ashin fully establishes and showcases the profound dexterity of Autre Ne Veut’s unique production and vocal prowess.

In “World War Part 2”, the seventh track of the ten track EP,  Ashin exemplifies his ability as a producer as well as a lyricist and singer. Utilizing chopped and screwed high-pitched vocal samples and raucous bass, the beat of this track achieves an exciting controlled chaos that bleeds into the realm of Hip Hop, drawing immediate comparison to groups such as Run the Jewels or even Danny Brown.  He tames his turbulent beat with soft vocals and poignant lyricism.  Ashin touches on the powerful and relatable effect of coming to terms with a failed relationship as he belts in passionate falsetto, “This time won’t be forever/ And your face won’t be enough.”

The eponymous  “Age of Transparency,” has been practically been playing on repeat in the Kahn household since its discovery– this is not an easy feat by any means. Despite a frustratingly elongated and likely purposefully inharmonious solid two-minute introduction, the title track is well worth the suspense.  Seemingly out of nowhere, the cacophonous musical introduction explodes into one of the most innovative beats of the year.  The rhythmically deliberate and balanced instrumental is paired perfectly with sampled female soprano and intermittent guitar riffs which come together seamlessly to create a sound that is aggressively easy to jam to.  Ashin adds a calmer element through softer vocals on this track and the lyricism addresses a recurring theme of anxiousness in handling the perpetual uncomfortability and adversity of relationships.

   

Arthur Ashin incorporates musical ingredients ranging from rap, R&B as well as strong indie pop ingredients into his unique sound. Regardless of your musical orientation, there is something for you in Autre Ne Veut’s latest release.  Give it a listen. It very well could anthemize your second quarter, or even your entire school year.