Daniel Masson - Ten Particles

Daniel Masson

Ten Particles
self-released; 2015

4.2 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

My friends you are certainly in for a treat today. If you haven't yet heard of Daniel Masson it’s time to get caught up. Masson has been making music for quite some time and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down with his latest release Ten Particles. Masson displays on Ten Particles what so many other artists try to achieve. He seamlessly blurs lines between genres into something original and unique while still being captivating.

The album is mostly instrumental besides sporadic spoken word pieces but is truly vast in the amount of textures, tones and sounds it explores. I feel hesitant to use the word “worldly” to describe Masson’s music because it surpasses the generic clichés that attach to the label but that word definitely comes to mind. Masson combines eclectic sounds and genre you can trace from New York to France to Brazil and beyond.

Another aspect of Masson’s songs on Ten Particles that makes it an exceptional release are the ways you can listen to it. The recording quality and production is top notch but the truly impressive fact is this music works just as good in a club as it does with a pair of headphones. You can feel the beats and rhythms while you dance or explore the ever-changing terrain that unwraps before your ears.

The opener “Emetteur” has a distinct French dance vibe that is smooth and easy on the ears. A steady kick drum makes you move but the ear candy is everything that is happening around it. The song is overflowing with reverb-laced guitars, pads and more which combine into an almost dizzying array of sounds.

“Icarus Ballad” has a bossa nova/ Brazilian vibe. The guitar and percussion elements create the foundation of the song while other elements come in and out of existence. “Hope” defies a one- word genre and “Slow Awakening” has a slight sensual appeal. One of the highlights was “Chameleon Time” which starts off in a Portishead trip-hop style, which quickly deviates from expected familiarity. The intense percussion comes to a boiling point about two-and-a-half minutes in.

The other standout was “Cosmic Party.” Masson layers so many elements on top of each other he gives The Field a run for his money. The great thing is you can hear every single one of them.

Ten Particles is a no-brainer. This is essential listening that will make your life a little bit if not a lot better. Highly Recommended.

official website

Tweet