
My inbox guides me to Omrr, the stage name of Omar El Abd, a self-taught musician, guitarist and sound artist based in Cairo, Egypt. His new album is a pearl, so gentle, so calm. It is exactly what I needed today.
Although it contains the simplicity and the calm atmosphere of ambient music, the track on this album are more than that. With electronics, microsounds, field recordings and elements from glitch and modern classical music, Omrr creates instrumental songs with a minimal yet immersive approach. 'Illicit' might be the most traditional ambient resembling song on 'Devils For My Darling' but this too contains something extra, like an own identity.
Throughout the album I can hear influences from acts like Laraaji, Brian Eno, Biosphere but also hints of Autechre and Aphex Twin, along with classical piano. Yet, most of all, I can hear a self-taught musician finding his own little path in the vast world of experimental music. This is an incredibly beautiful universe, created by a very talented artist. Each one of these eight track can stand on its own but if you listen to the entire album, which I obviously recommend, you'll be blissfully smiling all the way. I know I am...
Serge