frent fonder - release

Frent Fonder

Release
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

Jeremy Larson also known as Frent Fonder is from Illinois and uses DIY techniques to create unique and experimental instrumental music. While listening to tracks within Release I hear the eerie and bass-heavy tones reminiscent of trip-hop, and the sounds of the guitar that call to alternative rock music. There is definitely an edge to Larson’s music and it’s easy to transcend elsewhere when listening to Release.

Right from the beginning, Larson draws you into this strange world of mystery, chaos and deranged love. “VRE” could easily be a soundtrack to a mystery movie; cut to the scene where the suspect is on the move and the detective is inconspicuously watching with a calculating eye. As the song goes on, we seem to move deeper down the rabbit hole and more and more mysteries become apparent. On this track, the guitar morphs from a wobbly effect at the beginning to then returning to a classic electric guitar sound and going on a high-energy solo before closing the song.

“Branches” is another song to take you on yet another journey; this one is set at the break of dawn in a windy city and the mystery of what’s to come next is riding on the sun as it is on the song. Within this song, there are many effects used which seem to just pop up out of nowhere but also blend nicely with the existing melody. The song maintains a consistent melody while incorporating a plethora of different sounds and effects.

Frent Fonder definitely has a knack for not only envisioning dynamic and incredibly compelling instrumental tracks, but also for bringing them to life through his production and mixing skills. The songs within Release are peculiar and easily set the creative or contemplative mind free to roam in ethereal space as they please. Listening to Release is a trippy experience and the album is well-recorded and a great compilation for anyone interested in trip-hop or experimental instrumental music.

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