Ricardo Villalobos – Frank Mueller Melodram

For those of us who consider Ricardo a genius - but for many others too - listening carefully to his early stuff like Alcachofa or Thé Au Harem D'Archimède is a truly immersive experience into melodies, rhythms and sound altogether. A real probe into the deeper realms of possibilities one can achieve with the use of synthesizers, drum machines, effects and the human voice. A life changing experience for many; shifting musical tastes and directions.

Now rewind 5 years back to 1999. Or should I say 6 to 7? When I asked Ricardo last month about one of his other masterpieces, Luna, saying to him ''It's hard to believe Luna is now 19 years old'' he was quick to correct me: '' it's 21 years old''. So it is safe to assume that along with Luna, 808 the Bassqueen and Frank Mueller Melodram (all released in 1999) could have also been produced in the years prior to 1999. But even if that isn't true, it is truly fascinating just how fresh Ricardo's music sounds 19, 20 or 22 years later. It's a trick which is almost impossible to replicate. How can you make music which stands the brutal test of time so consistently?

Only if you are one of the very few artists who have the raw talent, futuristic vision and eclectic taste to combine with hard work and endless hours spent in the studio, recording drum machines and synthesizers day and night. Make no mistake, jewels like Frank Mueller Melodram and 2000 Abdominals are the results of all the above day in and day out.

The tracks in this EP along with 808 the Bassqueen should be credited with establishing a deeper, darker character of house & techno well into the 2000's and even later. A sound which thrives today, owes a big part of its roots to music made by Ricky long ago.

The wistful, longing sine wave sounds of Frank Mueller Melodram, in many other occasions, would bring the energy of a track down. But here, they are combined with such amazing groove programming and a chord progression so nostalgic, that they seem like a match made in heaven. The mood of the track is melancholic, dark and serene. Hypnotic would be a cliche, but hypnotic it is.

2000 Abdominals, a masterpiece with an esoteric mysterious vibe, latino drum programming and a most ingenious arrangement. The snare takes 2 minutes to appear and the hi hat take 3 yet the groove is going strong and rolling regardless - no problem! We have observed this trick (late appearance of hi-hats) a lot in the new unreleased material by Ricardo, which he plays in nightclubs around the world

Productions like these are far from just effective clubtracks. When Ricardo makes electronic music, he is usually songwriting.

And this is what sets him apart from the rest of us.

What is the BPM of frank mueller melodrama? i would appreciate!

Frank Mueller Melodrama is just so good, mysterious theme with sophisticated drums. A repress would be more than welcome!