Photo by Jonathan Lorange
“His music is an impasto painting, building upon itself with his bow (and fingers) serving as the brush…” — Decibel
Worlds Within is the stunning debut solo album from Canadian cellist and composer RAPHAEL WEINROTH-BROWNE. Having been an integral creative force in groups such as The Visit, Musk Ox, and Kamancello, as well as having recorded and toured extensively with Norwegian progressive rock/metal band Leprous, this new solo effort sees WEINROTH-BROWNE exploring his cellistic voice even further. Worlds Within takes full advantage of the possibilities of the instrument; all of the sounds on the album – melodies, harmonies, riffs, textures, and even percussion – were created on cello with amplification and effects pedals.
In advance of the record’s January 24th release, Decibel Magazine is pleased to unveil the visual accompaniment to the track “Tumult.”
Issues WEINROTH-BROWNE of the alluring new clip, “Unlike the video for ‘From Within,’ which depicts wonder and self-discovery, ‘Tumult’ is meant to illustrate chaos and upheaval. Once again, the thematic narrative of the music is embodied by actor/dancer Heather Sita Black, but, this time, she appears in the form of a ghost or apparition instead of a physical being, trapped in the confines of stone ruins, in the same way that the mind can often be caged by recurring and destructive thought patterns. The veil that once defined her sense of identity now begins to choke and blind her. What begins as a dance gradually becomes an almost bestial struggle. At the end of the video, as the veil is lowered, she is able to see clearly for the first time, transcending the walls of the ruins into the ever-expanding horizon.
Musically, this piece contains some of the more metal-influenced sections of the album as well as some percussion loops, which I created by tapping rhythmically on the bridge pickup and running the signal through a delay pedal. This results in a unique sound reminiscent of electronic/programmed drums, but with a more organic quality. My aim with this portion of the album was to create something both cinematic and heavy, juxtaposing long hypnotic groove sections, guitar-esque solos, and cascading melodies.”
Adds Decibel, “His music is an impasto painting, building upon itself with his bow (and fingers) serving as the brush… ‘Tumult’ starts with a subtle percussion, which the Canadian musician builds up by tapping on his instruments. Simple layers are added slowly. An early melody is eerie in a similar way to the theme of The X-Files, while the pulsing bassy tones that follow add a sense of foreboding… WEINROTH-BROWNE really shows how similar metal is to classical music. A shredder could easily transpose any given lead to a headbanging riff. However, the song doesn’t just go full bore. Instead, it peels back its layers and rebuilds. By the song’s end, one could cut throw the thick slab of paint and see a kaleidoscope.”
“Tumult” was captured again by Andrew Robillard (creator of WEINROTH-BROWNE‘s recently released “From Within” clip) and shot at the coincidentally named St. Raphael’s Ruins near Cornwall, Ontario.
View “Tumult,” now playing at Decibel Magazine, at THIS LOCATION.
Find WEINROTH-BROWNE’s “From Within” video HERE.
Worlds Within is a single composition divided into ten tracks which play out like movements in a classical variation set. The music itself, however, ranges from ethereal and atmospheric to aggressive and intense during the album’s forty-minute run time, combining elements reminiscent of contemporary classical minimalism, metal, post-rock, and even electronic music while retaining its own distinct sonic language. It is a cinematic sound painting that plays on the listener’s perception of time, evolving gradually and fluidly, but always in motion, much like the mesmerizing cover artwork by Heather Sita Black (The Visit).
Worlds Within – produced by WEINROTH-BROWNE, recorded and mixed by Dean Watson, and mastered by Alan Douches – will be released on CD, vinyl, and digital formats January 24th, 2020. For digital preorders visit Bandcamp at THIS LOCATION and all other digital platforms HERE. CD and vinyl preorders will be available in the coming weeks. Additionally, copies of the record will be available at the merch table throughout Leprous’ upcoming European tour next month. Find upcoming dates HERE.
RAPHAEL WEINROTH-BROWNE has announced a trio of solo shows in the coming months with more to be confirmed in the weeks to come.
RAPHAEL WEINROTH-BROWNE Live:
1/31/2020 The Garrison – Toronto, ON w/ Völur, Robin Hatch
3/19/2020 Casa Del Popolo – Montreal, QC
3/20/2020 Saint Brigid’s Centre For The Arts – Ottawa, ON
“…mesmerizing and masterful, forty minutes of pure sonic poetry exploring the limits of the human psyche.” — Two Guys Metal Review
“RAPHAEL WEINROTH-BROWNE opens up new mind spheres for you as a listener that you will gladly explore, as everything in there is fully captivating and diverting… a sonic diamond.” — The Black Planet
“Worlds Within combines elements of contemporary classical music, post-rock and electronics, although every one of its vast array of sounds is created by the cello.” — Ottawa Citizen
“…a perfect example of how a classical instrument can sway and hypnotize, cleverly attaching itself to conjuring up visions and images.” — At The Barrier
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