Marc Soucy‘s latest opus, Sympatico Now, opens with an immediate sense of intrigue. A cerebral and industrial texture takes shape, layered with metallic tones that are both dramatic and slightly unsettling. The introduction plays out like a warped fairground experience, evoking a sense of distorted reality with an underlying horror-coded ambiance. This gripping opening sets the stage for a complex and ever-evolving composition that refuses to adhere to conventional musical boundaries. Soucy, known for his ability to blend styles and create immersive sonic landscapes, once again proves his prowess in the realm of hybrid electronic music.
As the track progresses, a dimensional synth sweeps in, its cinematic quality lending itself seamlessly to the world of espionage thrillers. One could easily imagine this motif finding a home in a James Bond 007 film, adding to its mystique and grandeur. Padded drums provide a guiding force, grounding the ethereal elements while allowing them to soar. Then comes the arrival of luscious orchestral strings, a signature of Soucy’s intricate style, adding an extra layer of depth. This expansion into a fuller, symphonic sound creates a feeling of high-stakes adventure, a hallmark of masterfully composed film scores.
The intricacy of Sympatico Now is a testament to Marc Soucy’s experience and attention to detail. Every note feels deliberate, every texture meticulously crafted. As we approach the two-minute mark, a melodic protagonist emerges in the form of a soaring string arrangement, leading the listener further into the adventure. This moment of clarity and forward momentum solidifies the track’s storytelling nature, reinforcing Soucy’s commitment to composing music that not only sounds compelling but also evokes emotion and narrative imagery.
Dynamism remains at the core of Sympatico Now, as the high strings take centre stage in an ethereal yet dramatic fashion. The grandeur of the composition at this stage is reminiscent of the iconic collaboration between Janet Jackson and Vanessa-Mae on Velvet Rope. There is a sense of tension and release that drives the track forward, allowing it to breathe and evolve rather than settle into a predictable structure. The balance between electronic and orchestral elements remains impeccable, reinforcing Soucy’s ability to merge genres effortlessly.
Just when we believe we have grasped the essence of the track, Soucy delivers a sonic switch-up infused with Eastern nuances. Plucked strings, reminiscent of a harp or traditional Eastern instrumentation, introduce an entirely new layer to the composition. This shift propels Sympatico Now into a more cosmic and exploratory space, as if the track itself is expanding beyond its initial atmosphere into something far more otherworldly. The seamless transition into this new sonic territory is a mark of Soucy’s expertise in world music influences and genre-blurring composition.
Marc Soucy has described Sympatico Now as the 10th single in his “STIR” series, a body of work designed to push the boundaries of stylistic fusion. His goal, as he states, is to be a “unique voice in a sea of sameness,” and with this track, he undoubtedly succeeds. The ability to weave industrial textures, cinematic grandeur, orchestral mastery, and global influences into one cohesive piece is no small feat. Sympatico Now is a testament to the boldness of Soucy’s artistic vision and his dedication to delivering music that challenges expectations.
As a composer and producer, Marc Soucy has spent years refining his craft, navigating technological advancements while maintaining a deep-rooted connection to classical and world music traditions. Sympatico Now serves as yet another example of his ability to craft immersive, thought-provoking soundscapes that transcend conventional music genres. With each release, he invites listeners to embark on a journey – one where sound and imagination intertwine to create a singularly compelling experience. We have added Sympatico Now to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists, whilst we continue to stream the composer’s exquisite body of work that we have been reporting on!