LeitmOtif is an unusual-sounding artist fronted and, actually, entirely comprised of one man: Alex JT, who has played guitar for numerous other independent/local bands from lounge jazz/rock to classic prog-metal, though his influences are a broad scope beyond either of those. AJT is focussed on a "professional plus" production and mastering quality in his work under the LeitmOtif brand, a brand which in itself strives to deliver Variety with a capital V.
The answer to the question, "who is AJT?", remains somewhat of a mystery, most likely because of its irrelevance. The more important question is "WHAT is AJT?", though the answer to that question is also still a mystery -- one which is probably best solved by the deciphering and careful analysis of his lyrical content. Some might say that the skill of single-handedly writing, performing and producing a 74-minute album of a professional calibur makes AJT some kind of secret lethal weapon. Some others might say this all sounds very pretentious... and they're probably right.
'Misanthrope', the second album from LeitmOtif, is a dark-yet-contemporary concept album revolving around a bizarre female character who personifies the abstract concept of romantic or sexual obsession.
The album features a variety of musical styles ranging from contemporary heavy popular rock to melodramatic/gothic progressive rock with assorted hints of new wave, grunge, blues, electronic/new age and jazz throughout.
LeitmOtif's broad influences are thoroughly demonstrated on this album -- moreso than the previous 'Sorority' album. Influences from The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, The Smiths, Pink Floyd, Vangelis, Jean Michel Jarre, The Velvet Underground, Supertramp (the 'Crime of the Century' era), Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Black Sabbath and, at times, even Irving Berlin are evident at different points in the album's 74+ minutes.
Even LeitmOtif's non-musical influences seem evident, such as cinematic influences reminiscent of Tim Burton or Terry Gilliam with a very dark overwash like a David Fincher flick.
The impressive quality of the album is down to the lavish arrangements and mixes bursting with layers. You'll hear the standard line-up of guitars, bass, drums with a sophisticated edge from brass, strings, a Steinway G grand piano, vintage synthesizers, taiko drums, a Supertramp-style Wurlitzer 200A electric piano and, at powerful stages of the epic 'A Night in Her Bed', you will be blasted off your stool by canons! The list is seemingly endless...
Produced and recorded entirely in Alex JT's bedroom and living room, 'Misanthrope' is a staggering testiment to the precision engineering, production and mastering that can actually be achieved outside a commercial studio. This album has been recorded and mastered at high-resolution 96kHz/64bit. Naturally, this has been downsampled and dithered for CD Audio quality, so there are some naked plans to release a high-fidelity DVD-Audio release. If such a release goes ahead, it will be the only physical release.
This album has a large dynamic range and great care has been taken during mastering to preserve it. As such, it will be quieter than most modern mainstream pop/rock, which has its dynamic range destroyed in favour of simply making it louder. A louder CD isn't a better one -- just turn up your volume dial.
Thank you for purchasing this album and continuing to support independent musicians!
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