Present Paradox - My Map

Present Paradox

​My Map
self-released; 2015

4.0 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By J Simpson

Information is not knowledge.
Knowledge is not wisdom.
Wisdom is not truth.
Truth is not beauty.
Beauty is not love.
Love is not music.
Music is THE BEST.” - Frank Zappa

What purpose does music serve in today's cultural climate? With the beginning of a New Year, we're likely to see a whole new slew of think pieces, criticisms, and hopeful wishing about the role that music plays in our lives. Is it merely a soundtrack for the spectacle? A nice hi-fi in our gilded cage? Or, even worse, is it a delusional paradox, that makes us feel that we're being revolutionary when we're actually totally controlled?

There are no easy answers. Or, more correctly, you must draw your own conclusions. Music can be AS MUCH or AS LITTLE as you want it to.

David Kleinekottmann had maps on the brain, while dreaming up his most recent mini-album. Rather than being a hard, fast concept album, like last year's excellent Acute, My Map was conceived as more of a journey or progression, a chronicle of the artist's life over the span of 4 months. My Map finds Kleinekottmann at his most optimistic, which is a good sign for this highly talented solo artist, which hopefully bodes well for the rest of us creative hopefuls.

Present Paradox wears his influences on his sleeve, most notably Radiohead and Atoms For Peace. This is actually a good thing, in this case, as Kleinekottmann is bringing back the funky/thoughtful dichotomy, from a time when it was possible to like The Smiths and Autechre AT THE SAME TIME. As Moz says, "Heaven knows I'm miserable now," but not all the time, and that doesn't mean I don't like to dance!

And dance you will, as Present Paradox have brought back the percussive elements, which is a nice touch. Kleinekottmann is a talented drum programmer, in addition to his many other assets and charms, as a guitarist, singer, and synthesist.

There's this light, airy quality to Present Paradox's music, somewhat akin to vintage Talk Talk, that manages to sound both psychedelic and emotive. This sings to my soul, as it likely will for anyone that thinks a lot, may be prone to bouts of melancholy, but also sees the brightness and positivity in life.

It's funny, but short, obscure releases like My Map totally revivify my passion for music. The fact that someone can be doling out such well-executed and presented sounds out of a home studio blows my mind! It truly is a Golden Age for independent music. When you can find it. ​

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