He has chosen his stage name wisely, as his ambient electronica sound is certainly theatrical, at times haunting and at other moments quite joyous. A longtime guitarist, he attended Atlanta Institute of Music and fell in love with composition. In the late 90s, he found himself drawn back to piano-synth compositions and never looked back, often finding inspiration within his own family, his kids especially. Theatrimus (only otherwise identified as KW) thoughtfully includes the stories behind the songs on the liner notes of “Slow Motion,” adding to your listening pleasure. The title track opens with gentle keys dancing over simmering synthwork, and I enjoyed the happy bounce to it even before I read the notes about watching his kids at play through a window as he wrote the melody.
Same with the symphonic opening track, “The Long Road Ahead.” Lustrous and key-driven, it moves into a soaring electric guitar solo that adds to the spontaneous feel of the track even before you read that it actually was birthed in such a spirit. Dedicated to the soldiers who have protected our liberties, “Remembrance” is a deeply reflective track, complete with an electronic whooshing sound that enhances the compelling somber tone of the piece.
I appreciate the duality of the writing in these lush soundscapes as well: the quietly looming opening of “Adore,” morphing into a joyous groove of drum loops and bouncy bass. Standout track “In the Shadow” is a real percussive treat, the various rhythmic elements going up against a string-based melody line, both complementary and beautifully bellicose, the listener coming out the truest victor. “The Mission” is exemplary for its evocative synth and uniquely hopeful tone, truly lovely.
“Slow Motion” is a musical experience you don’t want to miss. Visit the Theatrimus website for more information.
