French pianist Edouard Ferlet has spent the last few years exploring the boundaries of humans and technology. Edouard sits between two pianos. He can play one of them but placed atop the piano are two algorithmic switcher machines. Ferlet can flick various switches on and off to trigger matrix patterns on the second machine, which in turn allows a machine to play the second piano. It’s like when you see a haunted piano playing itself but the results are far more tuneful in Edouard Ferlet’s hands! The composer has named it the PIANOID and his video explaining how it works is fascinating.
‘Reflex’ is the first single from his forthcoming EP ‘Reset’ which is due for release on the 9th of December. The idea behind ‘Reflex’ is using the machines to create a rhythmic pattern on the PIANOID whilst Edouard plays his own melodies on the other piano. It’s a slow burn that gets increasingly more bombastic as the robots get more into the jam and cascades of note waves run up and down the keys. It’s an inventive way to make music and fans of Philip Glass, Nils Frahm, Grandbrothers and Hauschka will enjoy these ivories. It’s a rich mixture of tech, piano improv and classical themes.
Enjoy ‘Reflex’ below. For more information on Edouard Ferlet, follow him on Instagram.
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