“Chromacolor is one of those records that immediately feels like home even though it is hard to locate stylistically. Written and recorded by Hanno Leichtmann in Berlin and Madeira between 2020 and 2022, it draws on rhythmic minimalism as a guiding principle and might call to mind organic, instrument-based ambient music, but also incorporates jazzy moments as well as Annie Garlid’s multi-layered vocals that permeate through these nine pieces.
The foundation for Leichtmann’s Chromacolor project was laid when the prolific Berlin-based producer, musician, and drummer borrowed a vibraphone and a Fender Rhodes from two friends. Combining their unique sonic affordances with those of a Guitaret, an electric lamellophone, he further expanded his sound palette by inviting other musicians — Anthea Caddy, Sabine Vogel, Tobias Delius, Els Vandeweyer, Sabine Ercklentz, Andrede, Mike Majkowski, Andrei Ladeishchikov, Oona Farchy, Gonçalo Caboz as well as Rafael and Hugo Andrade — to play small but vital parts in the production of the album.
(…) Leichtmann’s elegant study of the power of repetition, minute rhythmic shifts and subtle use of melodic and harmonic elements creates ambiguities and polyvalences like these throughout the entire record, up until its understated finale, aptly titled "A Beautiful Day"—a drone-jazz piece, if you will, both longing and joyful. As an album, Chromacolor is hard to pigeonhole, but rich and rewarding. All it takes is immersing yourself in it.”
Vocals: Annie Garlid (UCC Harlo), recorded in New York
Artwork: Hanno Leichtmann and Mads Emil Nielsen
Text: Kristoffer Cornils
arbitrary18 - 2023 LP (black), 1st edition of 300, incl. download code -Publisher
