'Searching' by Tristan de Liège

Tristan de Liège's Bandcamp page appropriately cites the LA-based artist's inspirations as stemming from "instrumental hip-hop and downtempo artists and also his love of film soundtracks and orchestral arrangements" with each influence serving as its own acute observation into his own ever-evolving musical make-up.

Throughout his output over the last few years, de Liège - while maintaining his foundation within electronic music - has managed to expertly manoeuvre his aesthetic to accomodate these aforementioned long-time passions, achieving far more expansive and inspired results. The series of releases alongside David Hanke alter egos Lehto and Keno nurture those lush, downtempo elecronica gems for the Bathurst label while his 'Life As A Film' (2023) project in collaboration with pianist Taylor Mackall and violinst Gregory Allison bestows listeners with an exquisite, string laden, neo-classical-meets-ambient treasure.

Perhaps it all stems from a healthy appreciation of great music, or perhaps from his PhD in Philosophy, but Tristan de Liège approaches his compositions with such a profound intimacy that results in a seamless intertwining of styles.  An inimitable de Liège touch.

And certainly, when discussing recent Tristan de Liège releases, we can't skip past his fantastic 'Refractions' full-length from just two years ago.  A project that presented a sensational take on neo-soul alongside some downtempo Jay Dee-inspired productions that set the bar incredibly high amongst the forever burgeoning de Liège catalogue.

Which brings us to the latest release from the Tristan de Liège lab, 'Searching'.  A typically superb and ethereal offering that presents some wonderful results - some perhaps best described as endearingly playful.  Brazilian guitarist Fabiano de Nascimento adds a nice Latin touch to 'Iara' in elegant contrast to 'Tarna' which is so elegant in its management of hip-hop production, rousing vocal samples and spirited strings.

Tru Thoughts vocalist Bryony Jarman-Pinto makes for a thrilling pairing on no less than three tracks throughout the album as does saxophonist Sam Gendel who delivers on another genuinely dream combination.

With the allure of creation seemingly too great a call to resist, Tristan de Liège continues to deliver music at an inspired pace and with such astonishing quality - 'Searching' proves to be the exclamation point to that fact!  A perfection introduction for new de Liège listeners while long-term listeners will recognise this as essential as anything he's ever released.