Theolonius Feargus Kelly is known for his ethereal instrumental work, and his 2021 release, Hollywood (Deluxe), fits right in that catalogue. With its interplay between classical and electronic music, this album plays like a study in texture and mood rather than a collection of individual songs.
On your first listen, Hollywood (Deluxe) feels like wandering through different rooms of the same dream. Sometimes lucid and melodic, sometimes shadowy and fragmentary.
The album’s sonic identity is its strongest statement. Singles are presented, and then re-presented with a variation that transforms the mood. The opening track, “Cello/Violin/Piano,” is a piece built on the tension between the keys and strings. This is immediately followed by “Cello/Violin/Piano-Pitched,” which transposes the piece a bit lower, giving it an almost sinister sound with the moments of silence feeling heavier.
The theme of playing around with musical dynamics is consistent throughout the album, and “Violin/Flute/Piano-Slow” is a great example of this. The original “Violin/Flute/Piano” is already an evocative track, but the slowed down version gives it a more sombre and melancholy quality.
“Piano/Harp/Violin/Viola (Bonus Track)” is one of the standout records, and is featured towards the end of the album. The gentle piano melody is mesmerizing, while the violin creates an atmosphere that compliments the gentle tone of the keys. Kelly’s decision to use the harp on this album is what really sells the deal, as it’s often a challenging instrument to compose for. But somehow it works, and his penchant for experimentation and maturity as a musician shine through.
The production and audio engineering work throughout the album is really interesting. It’s not just about making the song sound good, but rather about adding effects to enhance the already rich soundscapes. Kelly plays around with delay, reverb, and saturation to create electronic arrangements that are just as beautiful as an orchestral work.
Hollywood (Deluxe) is an evocative, texture-first album best suited to listeners who appreciate mood and detail. With Kelly’s slightly avant-garde approach to composition, this record is not geared toward mass-market immediacy, but that’s its appeal: it rewards the effort you make to listen.
“To keep up with Theo’s Music as well as Paintings, visit his website https://pettycashrecords.com
