ORNAMENT AND CRIME’s ONES stands out as a masterful exploration of sound and emotion, weaving together danceable beats with the depth of indie rock. This latest release from the Los Angeles-based duo, Alex Kemp and Bill Delia, not only solidifies their place in the indie-electronic scene but also showcases their ability to merge diverse musical elements into a cohesive and immersive experience. Over an hour and three minutes, spanning fourteen tracks, the album invites listeners on a journey filled with vibrant collaborations and sonic innovation.
Highlight Tracks That Define the Album’s Essence
Hold Me Now (feat. Island Police): This rendition of the Thompson Twins’ iconic 1983 hit “Hold Me Now” serves as a dazzling highlight on the album, brilliantly reimagining the classic with a modern twist. Featuring Island Police, ORNAMENT AND CRIME transforms the track into an immersive experience with lush beats and a meticulously arranged vocal delivery that bridges the gap between nostalgia and contemporary freshness. The homage to the 80s is palpable, capturing the original’s essence while infusing it with a playful and innovative spirit, making it a standout piece in their collection. Initiated by Alex during the pandemic, the project blossomed through back-and-forth exchanges between him and Bill, culminating in a collaborative session in Los Angeles with Colyer (Island Police) that brought the track to completion.
You Make Me Feel: This track is a testament to the duo’s skill in crafting songs that resonate on a deeply emotional level. “You Make Me Feel” is characterized by its lush and sensual vocal delivery, set against a cozy bass groove that envelops the listener. The chorus, “You Make Me Feel Like New,” is not just a line of lyrics but a pulsating force that evokes a spectrum of emotions, showcasing the duo’s ability to connect with their audience on a personal level.
Sparks in the Air: Another gem within the album, “Sparks in the Air,” captures the essence of a breezy island synth feel. With its pulsating synth bass and sensual vocals, the track creates an atmosphere that’s both uplifting and introspective. It’s a perfect example of ORNAMENT AND CRIME’s knack for blending electronic elements with indie sensibilities to create music that’s rich, layered, and endlessly engaging.
A Deep Dive into Musical Synergy and Artistic Evolution
ONES is a narrative of artistic evolution and musical synergy between Kemp and Delia. Their shared vision of blending dance beats with indie rock structures has culminated in a collection of tracks that are not only cohesive but also showcase the depth and breadth of their musical influences. The inclusion of dynamic female vocalists across the album adds a layer of richness and diversity, making each track a unique experience.
Selecting vocalists is an organic process for ORNAMENT AND CRIME, driven by the ongoing production of instrumental tracks and the fortuitous intersections with artists who share their vision. This approach has led to a series of beautiful and natural collaborations, each adding a unique texture and depth to their music.
The duo draws inspiration from a wide array of artists, including Khruangbin, Rhye, Men I Trust, Poolside, Neil Frances, and ABBA. These influences, diverse as they are, contribute to the multifaceted sound palette that defines ORNAMENT AND CRIME’s music.
Working with a rotating lineup of vocalists has proven to be a creatively freeing experience, both for the duo and their collaborators. By maintaining a defined set of musical parameters, ORNAMENT AND CRIME ensures that each track, regardless of the vocalist, retains a signature sound that is unmistakably theirs.
An Indispensable Addition to the Indie-Electronic Canon
ORNAMENT AND CRIME’s ONES is an essential listen for anyone intrigued by the intersection of indie rock and electronic music. The album offers a rich tapestry of sounds that are both innovative and deeply nostalgic. It’s a testament to the duo’s creativity, collaboration, and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
The album’s cohesion is achieved through a combination of musical consistency and the use of specific outboard gear in Alex’s studio, ensuring that despite the variety of voices, the album emerges as a unified auditory experience.
Interestingly, ORNAMENT AND CRIME have yet to perform live, viewing their project initially as a recording endeavor. However, as their music has evolved, so too has their perspective on live performances, with plans to bring their complex studio layers to the stage.
Feedback from fans across the globe has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the duo’s global reach and the universal appeal of their music. Looking ahead, ORNAMENT AND CRIME are open to collaborations that push the boundaries of their sound, eagerly exploring new genres and emotional landscapes.
ONES is a testament to ORNAMENT AND CRIME’s creative vision, collaborative spirit, and the deep emotional resonance of their music. It stands as an indispensable addition to the indie-electronic canon, inviting listeners to experience a rich tapestry of sounds that are both innovative and deeply nostalgic. Through their exclusive insights, Kemp and Delia invite us into their world, offering a glimpse of the passion and precision that fuels their musical journey.
