The modern world can overwhelm with constant background processes, both personal and technological, threatening your stillness more than ever —a fundamental theme on St. Louis-based ambient electronic producer Charaxes' new album, Proof of Life.
Charaxes, who describes their work as "recording my dreams and posting them here for your enjoyment," contemplates tranquility yet remains shrouded in mystery.
Little is known about this emerging talent, whose previous releases include sound collages that explore alien rainforests on 2023's Colors Tease, and an intricate electro-acoustic exploration of human anatomy's shifting movements in 2024's Ecdysis. These projects share a deep connection to the organic themes Charaxes continues to explore and expand upon in Proof of Life. Themes of seeking stillness in a constantly changing world, which feel both relatable and grounding.
Between last year’s releases and their new album Proof of Life, Charaxes shared on Instagram that small transitions helped strengthen their creativity, explaining: "Everything is happening simultanously – the world is burning, I dyed my hair, someone is playing music outside, my cells are multiplying, my cells are dying", as they observe the overlooked yet meaningful moments that affirm our existence in uncertainty.
"All of You in Blue" sets the tone for the album as a silky opener, with delicate harmonies that greet you upon the moment you press play, enveloping you in gentle solace and floral hues, as the lead guitar's delicate riffs build into a frenetic wall of noise, never losing its rich texture.
Synths bubble beautifully beneath the surface on mid-album cuts "Dappledshadow Eveningglow" and "Through the Window", evolving naturally from hopeful melodies to kinetic crescendos of lively sequencing.
Fans of The Avalanches would likely enjoy Charaxes' virtuosic production, which creates nebulous, psychedelic soundscapes that capture the feeling of riding a crowded afternoon bus. Surrounded by rowdy passengers, you’re still able to catch glimpses of sublime natural surroundings when you glance out the window.
The glistening highlight of Charaxes' third self-released album is the track "Daisychain," a dynamic blend of tight, frenetic grooves and bewildering bass, contrasted by upbeat percussion and blossoming vocal chimes.
While lovers of The Chemical Brothers will find a lot of delight in hearing the 'Private Psychedelic Reel'-esque take on nature's beauty amongst chaotic backgrounds, loyal followers of Boards Of Canada will love the more foreboding environmentalist sounds heard on "Waking Dreaming (Trees Akimbo)", an eminent equation of bubbling frog-like vocals and meditative strumming.
"Sissy Rip" marks a shift to a darker tone but crystallizes into a colorful blend of skittering trap beats, sprightly synth melodies, and bustling distorted bass. Here, the St. Louis artist lets club culture seep into the narrative, creating their most poignant moment yet.
"Analemma" and "(Angioma)" close the album on a fitting note, sticking to the irresistible formula of chirping nature samples, atmospheric grooves, and organic instrumentation. It's a fresh lease on life as you gather your bags, stand above your seat, and prepare to leave the bus, returning to mundanity.
A few interludes could have improved the flow of Proof of Life and made the less catchy tracks stand out, but the 44-minute journey is certainly worth the plunge.
Charaxes has fine-tuned their sound, using excellent mixing techniques and blending disparate influences with a textured, courageous personality. These elements juxtapose fluidly, tackling the record's themes of everyday existence versus manufactured complexities. They also do a great job of welcoming newcomers, using clear genre inspirations alongside ambitious twists throughout the album.
