Louis The Child flip the script on third beat tape, ‘Black Marble’
On Black Marble, Louis The Child mimic the process by which the LP’s referent—rock(s) comprised of granular limestone or calcium-magnesium carbonate that has been recrystallized under the influence of heat, pressure, and aqueous solutions—is made. On their answer to 2020’s Candy II [Beat Tape] Louis The Child’s Robby Hauldren and Frederic J. Kennett trade their childlike sense of whimsy for dark, frenetic sound progressions that signal a sonic recrystallization.
“For our third beat tape, we set out to do something that felt completely different from the first two. We’re always making different styles of music, and after a little while, we noticed we had a lot of songs that felt darker and grittier than the rest of the music we were putting out. It became clear to us that this was going to be the direction of the next beat tape,” Louis The Child said of their inspiration for Black Marble.
Across 17 febrile tracks that cumulatively make for one cohesive plot twist, Louis The Child take an unusually brooding approach to their production. Amid this distinct and unpredictable package of electro house, bigroom techno, and classic 303 acid basslines, their touch is recognizable in melodies and chord breakdowns, which glitter in signature Louis The Child style. This time, though, that sparkle isn’t bright or holographic—it’s onyx.
The Black Marble concept best translates when the project is viewed versus streamed. Guided by a burgeoning interest in street photography and videography, Louis The Child visually complement the sound of Black Marble with a dance film/official video set in nine different cities around the world, ranging from Tokyo to New York. Shot in black-and-white, the choreographed accompaniment embodies the feel of the LP while amplifying its inherent sense of action. The audiovisual experience, Louis The Child say, should be played loud, with the lights off and ample room to dance. Do just that below.
Featured image: Allie Mischen
Categories: Music