Following his stellar 2022 debut EP En clair-obscur, The Offline makes a significant mark as an emerging powerhouse in the cinematic soul and funk scene with his debut album La couleur de la mer, a work that pays homage to the golden era of film music.
In collaboration with co-producer Timor Litzenberger, The Offline (aka Felix Müller) has composed a sonic narrative that channels the spirit of renowned composers like David Axelrod. Together Müller and Litzenberger showcase the storytelling prowess of film’s greatest directors, gracefully oscillating between songs of high-intensity drama and tender romance. The addition of psychedelic overtones, and retro soul and orchestral elements elements with a touch of hip-hop only add to the album’s uniqueness.
La couleur de la mer unfurls with “Theme de la couleur de la mer,” a track that lays down the album’s core sound with jaunty flutes, mystical xylophones and groovy guitar chords all set to a heavy backbeat. Later tracks strike a perfect balance between the contemporary and classic, evidenced in numbers like “Un bout de chemin” and “Cap de l’Homy,” which bring to life the spirit of classic retro soul in the vein of modern acts like Surprise Chef and The Pro-Teens.
Engaging and nostalgic throughout, La couleur de la mer invites you on a compelling journey filled with dynamic compositions and immersive sonic storytelling. Through it all, The Offline demonstrates his musical mastery and unique approach to genre-blending, securing his space within the ever-evolving funk and soul scenes.
La couleur de la mer drops this Friday, November 3, on Root Records.
