Blumen is primarily the collaborative project of pianist Richard Blumenthal and drummer James Knoerl. Emerging from the Boston music scene and linked to the progressive metal band Aviations, the duo strips away the distortion of their metal roots to explore the intersection of math rock, modern modal jazz, and progressive structures.
Their sound identity is defined by a high-degree of technical proficiency and a focus on polyrhythmic interplay. Unlike the lo-fi hip hop or folk artists sharing the same name, this Blumen is characterized by 'crystalline' and 'brittle' sonic textures, emphasizing the acoustic resonance of the piano against highly articulate drumming. Their career arc shows a consistent dedication to instrumental complexity, notably on releases like 'Banana Split' and 'Press 1 For Music'. Critically, they are positioned within a niche of 'smart' instrumental music that appeals to fans of Tigran Hamasyan and Mouse on the Keys. They serve as a bridge between the precision of contemporary classical minimalism and the energy of progressive rock.
Shares math rock, modern classical, piano, restless (signature)
Shares math rock, modern classical, piano, library (signature)
Shares math rock, restless, progressive rock, library (signature)
Shares math rock, restless, progressive rock, library (signature)
Shares modern classical, piano, restless, library (subgenre)
Shares modern classical, math rock, restless, progressive rock (subgenre)
Shares math rock, restless, progressive rock, nu jazz (signature)
Shares modern classical, piano, restless, nu jazz (subgenre)
Shares modern classical, restless, library, nu jazz (subgenre)
Cassette uses generative AI to enrich its catalog. How we use AI →