Following on from the fiercely immersive genre fusion of Adagio One, rising artist and composer David Ratmoko manages yet again to enthral, engage, and impress modern listeners, with the darkness and hypnotic depth of Adagio Two.
Noting hints of influence from the genre-blending compositions of artists like Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre, David Ratmoko’s catalogue of original work is proving to be one of the most eclectic and deeply inviting from our generation to date. As Adagio Two begins, already the stylistic intentions and the overall mood and emotion of the piece ring loud throughout an entirely different arena to the Preludes. Here we’re gifted a powerfully distinct contrasting between the gritty hip hop beat and the more organic classical strings and layers that follow it.
The accompanying video admittedly strengthens the track’s grip quite immensely, this sense of falling deeper and deeper into the abyss is all-encompassing when both are experienced in unison, but ultimately there’s so much value and passion woven into the layers that make up Adagio Two. It’s a full orchestral set-up on the one hand, with a mellow but dramatic and drawn-out pace, and yet on the other, that electronic rhythm and hi-hat presentation guides us through a realm that feels completely opposed to expectation.
A sombre and striking listen, close to four minutes in full but with a weight and presence that feel vast and rather epic, Adagio Two is a modern release fit for electronic and neo-classical music fans alike. From the creative melodic stylings to the darkness and depth, Adagio Two is a captivating and provocative listen, and highlights the unrivalled versatility, talent, and audience awareness that a consistently unique David Ratmoko continues to deliver.
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