Jean-Loup Pinson’s latest EP, A Moment of Deathlessness, cements his place as a bold innovator in contemporary music. Known for his versatility across mediums like film, television, and dance, the French-British composer once again redefines artistic boundaries, this time by merging the classic poetry of Emily Dickinson with a strikingly modern sonic palette.
The EP's concept is ambitious: Pinson bridges the 19th century and the present day by setting Dickinson’s musings on mortality, existence, and desire to an eclectic mix of classical choral arrangements, electronic beats, and spoken-word performances. Collaborations with The Carice Singers—a leading UK chamber choir—and London hip-hop artists Armanious and Tanaka Fuego ensure a rich tapestry of voices and styles that weave seamlessly together.
From the opening notes, the listener is drawn into a unique soundscape. The haunting choral harmonies of “Wild Nights” create an otherworldly stillness, a sense of stepping into Dickinson’s private reveries. The Carice Singers’ ethereal voices bring gravity and reverence to the text, while Pinson’s subtle electronic undercurrents add a modern pulse, pulling the poetry into today’s world.
Tracks like “Tell All The Truth” explode with contrast. Here, the interplay between delicate classical instrumentation and the raw energy of Tanaka Fuego’s spoken word feels like a conversation across time. Fuego’s gritty reflections on urban life in the 21st century intersect with Dickinson’s metaphysical themes, creating a dialogue that is both jarring and profound. Armanious, too, delivers standout moments, his rhythmically intricate verses layering urgency onto the EP’s existential core.
Pinson’s compositions are not merely clever juxtapositions of old and new—they are deeply emotive works of art. “I Am Afraid To Own A Body” is a particularly moving piece, where the celestial purity of the choir is contrasted with pulsating electronic beats that feel almost alive, mimicking the heartbeat of Dickinson’s words. The track seems to ask: how can one reconcile eternity with the fleeting, imperfect nature of life?
The EP’s production is immaculate, with every detail meticulously crafted to immerse the listener. Whether it’s the cavernous echoes that lend Dickinson’s verses a ghostly weight or the crispness of a hip-hop beat that brings the abstract into focus, Pinson’s sonic choices feel purposeful and precise.
Jean-Loup Pinson explains, “Emily Dickinson’s poetry speaks to universal themes of existence. I wanted to explore those ideas from contrasting angles.” Indeed, A Moment of Deathlessness, does more than explore—it reimagines. By pairing Dickinson’s introspection with the immediacy of hip-hop and the timelessness of choral music, Pinson has created something utterly original, a work that feels as though it transcends time and space.
Ultimately, A Moment of Deathlessness, is more than an EP—it’s an experience. It challenges its audience to rethink the intersections of music, literature, and culture, while offering moments of breathtaking beauty and raw emotional power. With this release, Pinson not only honors Dickinson’s legacy but extends it, making her voice resonate in thrilling new ways. This is a triumph of artistic daring and execution—a journey worth taking.
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