Solo piano albums are dime-a-dozen these days, and when “Unravel” opens Alex Kozobolis’ new (second?) album “Weightless”, you might think - oh, no not another one. You see, you really have to encounter a true musical craftsman that can come up with something that is inventive and refreshing. Like Peter Broderick or Nils Frahm.
The first composition doesn’t even close and Kozobolis dissuades you of any doubts - he has the sense, the touch, and ideas. But then, midway through the album, you realize that this is not a solo piano album after all. The four piano compositions are followed by four remixes.
Of course, seeing that before listening, another cliche would flash in front of your eyes! How many times have you seen a musician (or musicians) run out of ideas and simply slam the few tracks they have mustered with additional beats if no-name do’s pretending to have made an album or something along those lines.
Luckily, wrong again! First of all, the remixes themselves are that only in name and are actually complete reworks and re-conceptualizations of the original compositions. Only the traces of melodies remain so to make a connection with the piano composition.
But Kozobolis has also made sure that whole concept is fresh. First, during the title solo piano theme, he slowly introduces two or three additional instruments to slowly bring you into what is coming, but he does it in an organic, natural way, without any jarring effects. Also, the remixes run in counter order to the piano compositions, making a sort of musical circular effect.
The question remains how does it work as a whole? This is where “Weightless” as an album excels - you get an integral feel of the music that is imaginative and executed brilliantly, enabling you to grasp Kozobolis’ musical concept.
Kozobolis’ name was not previously known to me, but after this album, I’m surely not going to forget it.
