Computer game programmer Etienne de Villiers makes an unexpected leap into music with his piano album, Inversion, released on September 27, 2024. A neoclassical gem, the album reflects a profoundly personal journey born out of grief and transformation.
The album opens with “Reflect,” a gentle and meditative track where slow piano strokes ripple like quiet waves. The simplicity of the melody captures a sense of introspection, inviting the listener to pause and immerse themselves in a moment of calm.
“Little Waltz,” the third track, shifts the mood subtly, introducing a delicate and soft rhythm that feels like it was composed for a pair of dancers. The interplay between lighter and deeper notes evokes joy and melancholy, creating a balance that mirrors the bittersweet nature of memory and longing.
In “Tick.Tock.Stop,” Etienne employs a consistent, flowing rhythm, mimicking the relentless passage of time. The title itself hints at an existential pause, a desire to break from the mechanical cycle of life.
The album concludes with “Exhale,” a track that perfectly encapsulates the therapeutic journey of Inversion. The gentle piano lines flow with the natural rhythm of breathing, offering a sense of closure. This final piece leaves listeners with a feeling of release, as though they, too, have shared in Etienne’s catharsis.
Though rooted in personal tragedy, Inversion is not an album of sorrow but healing. Etienne’s minimalist yet emotive approach echoes the beauty of raw, unfiltered emotion, allowing his music to connect universally.
Listen to the heartfelt narrative of loss, recovery, and the quiet strength of creation from Inversion on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan