FUNCTIONALITY

Roman Spektor is a multi-instrumentalist from Israel who actually entered the experimental/art pop scene by initially being attracted to rap music and making his own beats. This inspired him to a career as an audio engineer which in turn expanded his own personal style, which he shares with us in his quirky, first full-length album called 'Functionality', released in April of 2020.

The style on this album is a definite alternative sound to it, but with a surprisingly deep sense of instrumentation that creates a somewhat stark, dark and at times unsettling aura around this album. You can hear his initial influences in the trip-hoppy sound of 'Thank You Father', and the solid percussion sound reflects that in various parts of the album. But one cannot deny the heavy atmosphere that the album continuously teeters on in the title track, a song that constantly and effectively builds tension that you expect to explode at any minute. This does eventually resolve itself when guest Gali Spektor brings in an alto saxophone to smooth over the unsettling tone that takes the place of that explosion and it works well.

Roman also does his own vocals here, and his voice tends to increase the alternative effect of the music. His voice is definitely one that is unique and recognizable. It works well for the music, but one can't help but wish for a bit more of an emotional side to his singing. It does help to bring in some female vocals with Didi S.B. guesting on the 3rd track 'Look for'.'. The lyrics can be hard hitting, but the 'level-headed' style of the vocals can tend to weaken the impact the lyrics should have. No doubt that Spektor is a great songwriter. In the track 'Passivity', Roman's voice does suddenly get angrier, and that helps drive the song forward giving it more depth. This helps the track stand out a lot more.

Personally, I don't mind the alternative edge to any music. It gives a nice unique sound to the more complex tracks like 'Selling Doors'. The nice thing here is that Spektor does not fall into the trap of sounding like 'Radiohead' and being accused of copying their sound because his music continues its unique sound. However, with Gali returning to guest on this track, the saxophone is underutilized especially when it was needed for more variety at this point of the album. One of the strong points in his music is the use of acoustic guitar in some of the tracks including the closer 'Cut the Cool Air'. The mix of organic guitar and programmed (and surprisingly complex) percussion actually works well here.

I can hear a good amount of originality in Spektor's music, and his lyrical ability is excellent. The major issue with the album is in its 'even' feel. More dynamics is definitely needed here. It is such a major issue that it knocks the album down a notch. Otherwise, the quirky, dark and occasionally complex rhythms will at least keep the progressive listener interested. Even though the album is weak in the dynamic department, it is still an indication that Roman Spektor is a name to watch for in the years to come. The album will give you a sense that this is an artist that shows a lot of promise in his talents to become an important name in art pop and progressive style.