Gentle Confrontation
The lead track on Loraine James’ *Gentle Confrontation* opens with a brooding wash of strings fit for an art-house drama, then explodes into thrashing, distorted drum programming. In that contrast lies the essence of the London electronic musician’s fourth official album, which follows both 2021’s *Reflection* and the 2022 eponymous debut of her ambient side project Whatever the Weather. Much as its title suggests, *Gentle Confrontation* thrives on clashing energies. In many ways, it is James’ most richly nuanced album yet, suffused in hazy clouds of synthesizer, electric piano, and vaporized samples, yet her glitched-out drums have never sounded more desperate. In “Déjà Vu,” her beats tangle and contort beneath RiTchie’s deeply soulful vocal harmonies; in “I DM U,” her cut-up breaks approximate the drill ’n’ bass of vintage Squarepusher, yet her synths have rarely sounded more ethereal. In many songs, she makes the most of her guests’ distinctive voices: Set against the chaotic syncopations of “While They Were Singing,” Catalan singer-songwriter Marina Herlop’s crystalline vocal harmonies sound even eerier than usual. But James herself frequently provides the emotional center in her half-murmured, half-rapped delivery—even when her verses are only half intelligible. “We like to think on and think on it,” she muses in “Tired of Me,” and then, in “Disjointed (Feeling Like a Kid Again),” she picks up the theme: “Lately I’ve been thinking about it,” she begins, before looping back in a halting voice: “Lately I should stop/And just think…” Songs like this make *Gentle Confrontation* feel like a self-portrait of a searching, doubtful mind.
On her third album for Hyperdub, the UK experimental musician uses chaotic arrangements and glitchy drums to express knotty, difficult-to-name emotions.
On her third album for Hyperdub, the UK experimental musician uses chaotic arrangements and glitchy drums to express knotty, difficult-to-name emotions.
With 'Gentle Confrontation' Loraine James creates a nuanced world of sound pushing boundaries and vulnerability — read the NME review
Gentle Confrontation points to an artist in a constant state of development, of interrogation of their ideas about their life and music, one – such as Loraine James – who it seems will only continue to produce enthralling work.
With 'Gentle Confrontation' Loraine James creates a nuanced world of sound pushing boundaries and vulnerability — read the NME review
Gentle Confrontation points to an artist in a constant state of development, of interrogation of their ideas about their life and music, one – such as Loraine James – who it seems will only continue to produce enthralling work.
Gentle Confrontation sees Loraine James take a scalpel blade to her discography, only to reassemble the pieces into a record that plays like a victory lap.
Gentle Confrontation sees Loraine James take a scalpel blade to her discography, only to reassemble the pieces into a record that plays like a victory lap.
Your daily dose of the best music, film and comedy news, reviews, streams, concert listings, interviews and other exclusives on Exclaim!
Your daily dose of the best music, film and comedy news, reviews, streams, concert listings, interviews and other exclusives on Exclaim!
Gentle Confrontation by Loraine James album review: one of the most tender yet innovative electronic producers around
Gentle Confrontation by Loraine James album review: one of the most tender yet innovative electronic producers around
'Gentle Confrontation' is undoubtedly Loraine James' most intimate record to date and best overall as she reaches new heights in her production craft.
'Gentle Confrontation' is undoubtedly Loraine James' most intimate record to date and best overall as she reaches new heights in her production craft.