Berlin-based musician Roland Meyer de Voltaire, under his solo project SCHWARZ, is no stranger to the musical world, having enjoyed a decorated career over the years. Growing up in diverse locations from Bonn to Dublin and Moscow to Beijing, he’s shaped his creative journey with a unique blend of experiences. A singer, film score producer and songwriter, SCHWARZ first became known for his work in his indie rock outfit Voltaire but he’s now sharing the next chapter of his sonic evolution via lush cinematic atmospheres with club aesthetics and profound lyricism.
His voice is a versatile instrument in itself that bends from the soft and intimate to powerful and gritty, fitting the style of each song in dazzling fashion. The array of his collaborators reflects the diversity of his musical endeavours, from established artists like Schiller to emerging talents such as DANA and electronic music pioneers like Tangerine Dream’s Torsten Quaeschning, his work spans a wide spectrum of genres and influences.
Now, he brings us with his sophomore self-produced full-length record under the SCHWARZ moniker, red pill. This 10-track opus explores the nuanced impact of social networks on our interactions. It’s an album that probes the subtle shifts in our interpersonal dynamics caused by the indirect directness of these digital platforms.
The album unfolds with “a crack of light,” a mesmerising alternative pop track that sets the tone of the album. Clean electric guitar chords pluck softly as SCHWARZ’s vocals, delicate and emotive, hover above. The song gradually builds, introducing a subtle groove with a punchy beat and pulsing bass lines. It’s a captivating sonic journey, marked by memorable melodies and the artist’s soaring vocal prowess. Accompanying this track is a beautifully crafted music video that adds a cinematic dimension to the listening experience, produced by Amélie Siegmund and Julian Kleinert of Raw Souls and starring Jenna West and José Gabriel Baez, it offers a cinematic visual accompaniment to the song.
“bolt of lightning” maintains the album’s contemplative atmosphere. SCHWARZ’s vocals glide gracefully over a laid-back beat, with reverb-drenched guitar work creating a sonic landscape that’s at once immersive and emotionally charged.
“david lynch,” a collaboration with Kraans de Lutin and Roland, offers a stunning indie pop sound. The track boasts slick slap bass lines, punchy drums and intricate guitar flourishes, all forming the backdrop for SCHWARZ’s infectious vocal leads. Linking up with the same video team, he’s dropped a music video that spins a creative visual journey that sees a young woman receive a mysterious package with instructions to take it to coordinates out in the desert. Driving it out in the wilderness, she’s greeted by a figure wearing a rabbit head mask, before opening the package to find a mask of her own, putting it on and dancing to the music.
“peek@boo” injects a dose of energy with a potent rhythm, stomping drums, stuttered synth lines and bright string touches. SCHWARZ’s vocals, layered and spacey, create an intense electronic pop anthem that’s hard to resist. The title track, “red pill,” showcases SCHWARZ’s indie rock roots. Gentle yet driving drums, intricate guitar work and smooth vocals merge to craft an airy sound that feels simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary.
The album closes with “a word,” a stripped-back lullaby-esque composition. SCHWARZ’s vocals, filled with aching beauty, float over delicate guitars and soft strings, providing a poignant and soothing finale to this remarkable musical journey.
red pill is an album that reflects SCHWARZ’s evolution as an artist. It’s a superb showcase of his ability to venture across diverse musical landscapes while maintaining a coherent and compelling sonic identity. With each track, he invites listeners to dive into the complexities of modern existence, offering a thoughtful and sonically exhilarating exploration of our digital age.
Listen to red pill below
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