Released: October 21
Electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre returns with ‘OXYMORE’ – his most ambitious project to date.
The album has been conceived as an immersive work in a multi-channel and 3D binaural version, resulting in a precision piece that pushes the future of musical audio and sound to the next level.
The effect is present from the opening of first track AGORA, with the crackling of a fire, falling of rain and whispered voices conjuring a three-dimensional world when listened to on headphones.
It’s just the beginning of a set that not only plays with electronic sounds, but how we experience and interact with them, with a particular focus on depth.
What soon becomes clear is this is not a gimmick; across the collection, sweeping soundscapes like SONIC LAND segue effortlessly into more uptempo, beat-driven pieces such as ZEITGEIST, and soon the audio wizardry becomes a matter of fact as opposed to characterising factor of the music.
The record is also available in stereo across digital and physical formats and, although an intriguing listen, it’s worth remembering that ‘OXYMORE’ is part of an immersive project, alongside which the musician will also launch ‘OXYVILLE’, a VR world which accompanies the album release.
“‘OXYVILLE’ will be a virtual music city, and in the future I will invite other artists to be a part of it, as well as hold masterclasses and other events,” he explains. “I want it to become a sandbox for new music experiences.”
During the creative process of ‘OXYMORE’, Jarre performed an early version of the composition in physical 360 degree spatial audio live as an exclusive world preview, within the walls of Maison de la Radio in Paris, France, where attendees were asked to close their eyes and immerse themselves completely in the music.
It’s an effective way to experience ‘OXYMORE’, blocking out the distractions of the real world and conjuring new surroundings inspired by the evocative sounds on offer.
Let’s be clear: this is no straightforward electronic album and, unless you’re willing to engage with the music without reservation, the effect is wasted. But bear with it, settle back and take it all in – ‘OXYMORE’ is an innovative album which, at its core, surely holds the key to the future of music.
‘Oxymore’ is available now.
