Ron Trent refuses to sit still. His musical output is continually changing, shifting, seeking fresh directions. From his classic, Chicago jack beginnings – the major electronic landmark that is “Altered States” – to the stripped back future soul of Prescription – the imprint Trent ran with Chez Damier. From the emotive, warm, melodic, journeys of his New York-styled deep house, to his recent, fusion-flavoured releases – inspired, in part, by Brazilian maestros, Azimuth, and Michael Mann’s `80s TV show, the original “Miami Vice” – and now his latest project, LA MARR. 

This new endeavour announces itself with a 2-track 12, care of Music From Memory. Both are extended, 10 to 12 minute pieces, whose vibe is cinematic, dark and nocturnal. Each gradually evolving, taking its time to draw the listener in. “Good Magic” opens with organ shimmer and bleeping signals. Moving to the rhythm of slow, marching collisions. Seashell-like percussion washing the cosmic composition, which on the surface seems serene, but is driven by an urgent undercurrent. Pulsing patterns summoning a sense of lighthouse beacons seen from out on the ocean. “Clear”, again, begins all atmospheric, `til a tumbling tide of, afro / tribal-tinged timpani rolls into its soundscape of synthetic strings and gentle chimes. Crashing, but muted, dramatic, but cool and calming, epic and episodic, the puckered, percolating talking drum working in simmering synergy with arpeggios that appear influenced by Tangerine Dream’s seminal movie scores. 

LA MARR’s “Mood Programs” can be ordered directly from Music From Memory.