Delicate, organic keys, playful synths and unique but thoughtful grooves. Belgian guitarist, composer and artist Life Minder has carved out an engaging and memorable new project, with the striking originality and timeless imagination of Omnitus.
Divided into seven tracks, Omnitus begins with chaos and colour – an infectious groove and loveable bassline, a dance vibe but minimal and organic, rising through playful synths and effects. Stimulus is an opener loaded with good vibes and optimism, and its effect is that of equal positivity and warmth for those who listen at volume.
With roots amidst piano and guitar, Life Minder’s soundscapes evolve from the organic to the cinematic and ambient, providing an instrumental listening experience that feels ethereal but also fun, and deeply human.
We’re introduced to an inventive but grounded musician – familiar patterns but fresh tones and melodies, and a structure that’s comforting while being unpredictable; evolving towards a mildly big-band latter half, yet still gentle in its energetic celebration.
Vitalis is also a celebration, reminding us of the primal bond that connects all living beings. It’s more mellow, but with a sense of rising anticipation that’s gripping. In theory, the track works to bridge the gap between this overarching concept of hope and reflection, with positive grooves and melodies united, to ultimately embrace and uplift listeners. At the same time, there’s something cool or late-night quirky about the pace and tuneful peaks here, maintaining the Life Minder identity but also redirecting things for a memorable change in mood.
Change continues to prove an essential part of the process for Omnitus, and as the tribal hand-drums of Instinctus begin to play, the intriguing darkness and introspection of the moment is boldly enchanting, and quickly sets listeners off on their own imaginative journey through feelings and ideas.
Radix takes the charming intrigue further still, the building blocks unmistakable now as Life Minder, but a fresh cinematic journey mysterious and captivating. We proceed to fall deeper under the spell of these snappy and light rhythms, humble tones, fragments, and a tune that’s equal parts elusive, playful, and distinct.
Next we have Motus, a quirky bounce of a track, long-form melodies and an unmistakable hook meeting intricate connections between warped, distorted sounds, and those which pour through with fluidity and delicacy.
The track is intended to prompt consideration of our own relationship with the world, our role within it, as a means of promoting unity and collective awareness. There’s a sense of both direction and freedom to the finished arrangement, which aptly represents that attempt to bring together the self and society at large – the desire to be independently free, and the need and knowledge for strength in togetherness.
The final two tracks of Omnitus are Equilibrium and the title-track. The first of these is a personal highlight, there’s a certain depth and fullness to the production that immediately surrounds you – a kind of EDM or old-school house warmth to the bass and beat combination. The sound is fitting, still, Life Minder’s calling cards scattered throughout the tones and choices, but the hypnotic appeal lets you fall deeper still into the feelings and reflections that the entire EP has worked hard to inspire.
Finally, we return to minimalist simplicity – single layers of rhythm and keys, a mysterious melody but elevated by optimism and something like playful freedom once again. Omnitus encapsulates the Life Minder sound, the multi-faceted instrumental approach, the unique melodic journey, and the complexity of intertwining thoughts of the self with those of the greater good. It’s a pleasure to let play, and there’s also a rewarding after-effect of lasting introspection to encounter.
Find Life Minder on Instagram & Facebook.
