We previously featured Richard MARCER for blending cosmic synthscapes, nostalgic trip-hop rhythms and post-rock atmospheres into a cinematic journey through the unfamiliar on Unusual Discovery, so when we found out that Richard was back with Running Wild, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Running Wild opens with cosmic tones and a meditative frequency expanding with soft and cerebral percussion motifs and a rising synth line. We immediately vibe with the cinematic and other-worldly energy which feels like we are driving down Mulholland Drive at night.
There is a notable dimensionality and some of the production reminds us of the early work of The Weeknd. There is a refined and trippy energy that comes to life here, especially with the static hi-hats and textures that feel like an 80s movie. The piece also holds a peaceful sentiment with healing frequencies that would work well for a hatha yoga playlist.
A more melodic energy emerges after the half-way point with a vintage, almost celestial protagonist that guides us. The build is sublime and masterfully executed with hypnotic, repeated refrains for the water-textured climax that leave us yearning for more.
We particularly enjoy how the different layers reveal themselves over time. This makes the composition worth listening to on headphones, where the smaller details really come into focus. It is an instrumental that rewards patience.
Richard describes Running Wild as an exploration of ambient and cinematic post-rock, drawing on musical influences from the 1990s through to the present day. As mentioned, it follows Unusual Discovery, which has surpassed 16,000 streams and received coverage from independent music outlets. With this latest piece, he continues to push his sound further into experimental territory, balancing electronic textures with a more expansive post-rock sensibility.
For sync placements, we can imagine Running Wild in films such as Drive, Lost in Translation, Blade Runner 2049, The Place Beyond the Pines, Only God Forgives and Moon. Its atmospheric build could also suit television series such as Mr. Robot, Severance, The OA, Euphoria and Twin Peaks.
We continue to be enthralled by what Richard MARCER creates, and have added Running Wild to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist, whilst we stream the composer’s wider discography, including Lucid Dreaming, Welcome to My World, and of course, Unusual Discovery.