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01. Robert Babicz - Childhood
02. Robert Babicz - Heartstone
03. Robert Babicz - Heroes
04. Robert Babicz - Hotel Kalimba
05. Robert Babicz - Sonntag (Album Version)
06. Robert Babicz - Come Down (with Zera)
07. Robert Babicz - Super Cactus
08. Robert Babicz - Sin (Album Version)
09. Robert Babicz - No One Else (with Zera)
10. Robert Babicz - Climax
11. Robert Babicz - Garden of Souls
12. Robert Babicz - Infinity Inside (with Alice Rose)
13. Robert Babicz - Utopia
ARTIST
TITLE
Utopia
FORMAT
2LP

LABEL
CATALOG #
SYST 010LP SYST 010LP
GENRE
RELEASE DATE
12/18/2020

Double LP version. For Robert Babicz, the sounds produced in the creative process morph into shapes and colors; sonic frequencies become visible objects due to the rare phenomenon, and indeed gift, of synesthesia. Evidenced by Robert Babicz's eighth album, Utopia, this inherent creative process has resulted in a body of work that embodies his own personal experiences, forming a life soundtrack to epitomize moments of both elation and hardship. Memories enjoyed contrast with those endured, interwoven in a tapestry of musical expression that encapsulates a human story we can all relate to. Set for release on Marc Romboy's Systematic, a label of which the Polish-born artist is more than familiar with given his two previous Butterfly LPs, the album touches upon some of society's fundamental challenges, most notable of which is our search for the ideal world. Perhaps most strikingly is Robert's assertion that the "Utopia" we seek is not in fact a destination; rather it is a journey. Each track therefore is a reflection of such a discovery, acting as an auditory representation of Robert's personal tale. The voyage begins with "Childhood", an ambient introductory piece that blissfully sets the tone of the release with emotive keys and warm, ethereal pads. "Heartstone" soon takes the helm, as progressive synths converge on a rhythmic kick-hat backbone, before the instrument-dotted "Heroes" opens with a stunning guitar-riff lead and resonant snare patterns. The subdued tones of "Hotel Kalimba" graces listeners, a beautiful interluding track that works to rise and fall simultaneously, paving the way for a reworked version of "Sonntag", one of Robert's most popular tracks previously released on the well-established Kompakt label. "Come Down" swiftly ups the tempo, featuring a compelling main bassline that accompanies the poignant storytelling of vocalist Zera, before the hypnotic hum of "Super Cactus" softens the pace and offers a glimpse into a world far-removed from ours. Listeners are graced with another bespoke offering in "Sin", an enchanting seven-minute rework of Robert's debut Systematic track of the same name, whilst the heartfelt sense of "No One Else" undulates with a gentle lucidity, as Zera's docile tones shimmer amidst a saxophone solo that evokes feelings of contemplation and anguish in one. Climax soon emerges with its breaks-inspired drum patterns and ethereal synth pulses, before the cosmic notes of "Garden of Souls" leave you in a haze of starry, wide-eyed reflection. Alice Rose's mesmerizing vocals amplify the meditative qualities of "Infinity Inside", a delicate penultimate record that unfurls into the album's eventual closing track: "Utopia".