Jeroen Dirrix – Feel Review

What does Jeroen Dirrix sound like?

Oscillating at the turning point between neoclassical piano and synth textures.

The review of ‘Feel’ by Jeroen Dirrix

Inspired by his road trips across the Portuguese countryside, ‘Feel’ is a breezy and sun-soaked EP of warm piano, synths and relaxed soundscapes. Dutch composer Jeroen Dirrix goes out of his way to bring you the freeing and exploratory angle that a summer road trip can bring, whilst grounding it all in humble melodies that shimmer in the sunlight.

The title track opens the EP with a minimal yet melodic piano riff that joins a chilled-out downtempo beat. The beats sound like they include field recording samples of the countryside and as the track progresses bird song and nature sounds seep into the mix subtly. The main driver is the soft piano and warm low hum of the synths. Everything is slow and steady, like a lazy Saturday afternoon. ‘Bliss’ is more uptempo, taking a pulsating orb synth and letting it ring out as it shapeshifts through various frequencies. Sometimes it is pitch bending, other times it is bassy and percussive – but the synth always frantically pushes forward. This is an uplifting dancefloor anthem without the drums.

‘Continuance’ sees Jeroen Dirrix mess with forward and reverse sounds over light room sounds. The ‘in room’ recording of the piano gives it an imperfect grandmother tone as the melody cascades down the chords and out into the sea waves. It is brilliantly understated and cinematic. Everything that’s come before is wrapped up into the playful twinkling electronica of ‘Once Again’. Here keyboard notes twist off key and zip away like stars whilst other synths imitate guitar feedback flutes. Jeroen brings lots of sound design into the mix where you aren’t sure what instrument generates what sound and it’s part of the fun. The downtempo rhythms could underscore a scenic road trip montage of the countryside. This leaves us with ‘Sun’ to close out the EP. Warm organs, the sound of lapping waves and lonely warbling synths bring a sweltering heat to your ears. Although the track is called ‘Sun’, it feels more apt to call it sunset as the track imbues a night heat soak to it.

Brief but beautifully textured and designed, ‘Feel’ is a great new EP from Jeroen Dirrix. This is a great late summer release for anyone yearning for the freedom and heavy sigh of a relaxed afternoon outdoors. Playful in places, like a sonic diary in others, grab some port and enjoy the feel of a summer breeze musically gracing your ears.

Recommended track: Bliss

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