M1Nt & Strnge Spheres

Last Year at Marienbad is proud to welcome duo M1NT (a.k.a Phlocalyst) and STRNGE into the fold with ‘Spheres’, a breathtaking EP that embodies late night star gazing, all encompassing introspection, and a deep immersion in feeling…
M1NT and STRNGE, known collectively as NRMNT, have built a compelling foundation for their sound, one which speaks broadly and with a deft, organic approach, yet enables a sense of intimacy, emotion and mood. Both members combine their production knowledge, with an added touch being M1NT’s trumpet playing, which remains a cornerstone of their unique sound. Effortlessly grazing amongst the bountiful realms of dance music, their musical universe remains rooted in many spaces, drawing inspiration from soft undulations, tonal waves and euphoric melodic frequencies - with a heavy emphasis placed on musical evolution within each track they create.
‘Spheres’ encapsulates their musicianship and craft, with a wide berth given for the music to grow and morph as the EP unravels itself. The opener, ‘New Horizons’, has a hopeful gleam to it, with the synths hinting of sun kissed skies and the optimism of a new day. M1NT’s trumpet beckons the faithful with its graceful cameos, with the synth work emulating its look and feel with expressive chordal lines, all the while the drums underneath create a soft yet purposeful undercurrent.
The title track leans heavily into its dream-like synth intro, which is given plenty of time to spread its roots before the highly energised drums take hold. Distinctly club-leaning, the polyrhythmic feel of the keys and the tight groove make for all manner of spiritual release to occur.
‘Let Go’, the final original track, again leans into the emotive power of melodics to bring listeners close. The angelic melodic touches create an atmosphere seemingly from the divines, sparkling in its softly spoken intensity, as its wave-like approach continues to wash over the ears to great reception.
Completing the experience is Edmondson’s remix of ‘New Horizons’. Picking up the core motifs of the original, Edmondson softens the drums alongside shifting the sands within the overall mix, allowing new features to surface alongside creating a powerful, playful interchange between the trumpet and a creative vocal sample. A tour de force that homages the original cut to perfection.