In a day and age where instrumentals are viewed solely as a supporting role in music, producer Mndsgn’s 2021 album Rare Pleasure’s (via Stones Throw) instrumental composition is magic to the ears.
The San Diego-born, LA-based Filipino songwriter and producer’s new album is very much a work of musical collaboration. On the project, several musicians were consulted and brought in to help shape the album which made it what it is. Amongst these talented collaborators were Swarvy on bass and guitar, Kiefer on keys, Will Logan on drums, Carlos Niño on percussion, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson on strings, and Fousheé as well as Anna Wise on vocals. All of whom came together to create this stellar, must-listen album.
With Rare Pleasure, Mndsgn successfully blends various musical elements all of which are imbued with a rich texture making for quite the listening experience. Effortlessly smooth lo-fi tracks are accompanied by faster tempo jazz instrumentals and elements of funk.
On songs like “Masque,” Mndsgn urges listeners to take off the masks they hide behind and instead embrace vulnerability. A truly poetic track brought alive with its muted bass and ethereal vocals.
Another stellar example of this is “Rare Pleasure III,” an entirely instrumental track brought together by the various electric pianos inducing feelings of buoyancy, as well as “Medium Rare,” which comes alive with Mndsgn’s smooth lulling vocals and mesmerizingly warm dissonance.
Amongst these tranquil tracks are also songs such as “Rare Pleasure IV,” a fast-tempo dynamically complex instrumentally focal piece that incorporates elements of funk and samba-enredo.
Mndsgn’s “Rare Pleasure” tributes the structurally artistic nature of the album as a deliberately curated musical showcase as he takes you on a journey packed with scenic instrumental detours. Blending various musical influences, Mndsgn achieves a soothing compilation. Each element reflects Mndsgn’s micro-attention to detail, distinguishing each musical moment from the next. Furthermore, each track embodies within them musical motifs of vulnerability, intimacy, and an urge to embrace chaos, obliging its listeners to slowly sink further into themselves. To not listen to it in the order it is arranged would be a considerable loss.
Have you listened to Mndsgn’s new album Rare Pleasure? Share your thoughts below in the comment section. Rare Pleasure is available across all streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, or for purchase on Bandcamp.
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