Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Daniel Masson
• Album: Frequencies
• Label: Independent
• Year of Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: sinist3r-punk on 2011-03-25

Daniel Masson is pretty well known in the spectrum of world-fusion music. He's been credited with working on compilations such as Buddha Bar and has released numerous solo albums. Perhaps the most striking thing about Daniel is that he's done work with several video game developers to create electronic flavored soundtracks. Which games he's actually worked on is a mystery to me, but it's refreshing to find someone who takes a different approach to music gaining some notoriety in the ever expansive video game market. But Daniel Masson has taken a more "earthy" approach to his latest album Frequencies, often incorporating jungle drums and chants.

Whoever coined the phrase "Chill-Out Music" was obviously listening to Daniel Masson at the time. Rush hour traffic got you in a bad mood? Listen to some Daniel Masson. Found out your wife has been cheating on you? Watch some Dr. Phil, and then listen to Daniel Masson. Outside of maybe hard drugs and alcohol, Masson's music probably has the greatest effect on subduing any emotions. With Frequencies however, there's a much bigger emphasis on bringing in sounds from around the world and mixing them with soft mellow beats. It works as far as creativity and ambiance goes, but as for sustainability, you could do better. Frequencies is an album that feels like one big song that goes from start to finish. I can't give any defining qualities for any song, partly because I'm too relaxed to remember, but it also has to do with the fact that some of the music is just boring on its own. If you want to enjoy the album at its maximum potential, listen to it at a low volume while reading or right before you go to sleep. Daniel Masson understands what subtlety is, but sometimes enjoyment is sacrificed.

The world needs people like Daniel Masson to show us what can be achieved when you take an almost primitive approach to music using new age technology. Everything on Frequencies feels very minimalist, but that's the strongest selling point. If you need something to help unwind from the stresses of life, or you're coming off a serious addiction to Ambien and need help sleeping, Daniel Masson has the answer.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums