Inspired by the force of electricity, the dazzling and hypnotic album takes listeners on a spin
LAAKE’s newest creation, VOLT, emerges as a mesmerizing opus forged from an unexpected and jolting encounter. Originating from a forceful electrical surge prompted by a malfunctioning light fixture, VOLT transcends its initial conception as a solo piano venture, evolving into a chilling and exhilarating odyssey that captivates with its brilliance and artistry.
LAAKE’s virtuosity on the piano is distinguished by the rapidity and precision with which he engages the keys. His method, characterized by looping, swirling, and cascading repetitions, elevates the act of playing into a trance-inducing ritual, transporting the listener far from the tranquil ambiance of conventional concert halls to a realm pulsating with dynamism. This signature approach, borne out of an urgent immersion into piano playing, dispenses with classical doctrines and training, plunging headlong into the instrument’s essence. Years of this fervent dedication to the piano have honed LAAKE’s deftness and innate rhythmic inclination into a distinctive sound. “The piano is a percussive instrument, and that’s what intrigues me about it,” affirms the artist.
While the piano remains the cornerstone of LAAKE’s journey, his fascination with its percussive attributes propelled him beyond the usual contemporary classical trajectory, allowing him to traverse varied sonic landscapes—from acoustic ensembles to progressive electronic endeavors. Collaborations with electronic luminaries like Laurent Garnier, Vitalic, and Max Cooper, alongside performances with orchestras at Paris’s Theatre du Châtelet, have punctuated LAAKE’s trajectory with audacious experimentation.
VOLT assumes a cinematic grandeur partly attributable to the project’s scale. In addition to LAAKE, ten musicians hailing from classical, jazz, and contemporary music backgrounds contributed to the album. Their collective efforts, employing piano, strings, brass, and percussion, culminated in a multi-dimensional and sonically rich universe. Despite this orchestral tapestry, VOLT veers from LAAKE’s preceding release, O, which unfolded as an electronic symphony of sorts, venturing into slightly more pop-oriented terrain. The presence of a trap-style sub-bass, vocals, and a structured track format—comprising verses, choruses, and bridges—renders the music, while grand, as entirely digestible journeys. Although LAAKE disavows any allegiance to classical conventions, he’s lauded for injecting the genre with a renewed and invigorating allure. “I begin with the belief that anything is possible in music, and if I want to completely alter my musical style tomorrow, I won’t hesitate to do so.”
The single LAM from the upcoming album VOLT is out now:
ELECTRICITY from the upcoming album VOLT:
LAAKE – Tour dates:
07.10.23 : Neustrelitz (DE)
21.10.23 : Chateau de Saumur (FR)
22.10.23 : Abbaye de Saint-Riquier (FR)
24.11.23 : Bruxelles (BE)
28.11.23 : Le Trianon – Paris (FR)
08.12.23 : Cormeilles-en-Parisis ( FR)
01.02.23 : Poitiers (FR)
28.02.24 : Onex (CH)
28.03.24 : Piano Day – Le Mans (FR)
24.05.24 : Festival Bien l’bourgeon (FR)
Album VOLT Release date: 06.10.2023
Label: SOMAA, The Orchard