millhope – Reflection (2023)
With two decades of experience in the music industry, I think it’s safe to say that musician millhope knows what he’s doing. A veteran artist and producer, Thomas Mühlhoff (also known as millhope) has worked with notable acts like Susanne Dobrusski, Jenny Thiele, Geysir, Kai Otten, and various others. We, however, are not taking a gander at those accomplishments but rather Mühlhoff’s solo project millhope.
My first taste of millhope is his latest single ‘Reflection’ but the German-based producer and musician has received critical acclaim on an international scale. From the UK to Spain, Brazil to France, and across his native Germany, he has been described as having absorbing soundscapes, more than just music and capturing nostalgic energy with tight production.
Following his collaboration with Jenny Thiele on ‘Prototype’, ‘Reflection’ captures millhope’s signature pop and jazz sounds but with an eccentric alternative pop, almost avant-garde edge. Currently focusing on production in the ambient genre, ‘Reflection’ waves shimmering synths along a cinematic soundscape easily placed in the chillwave genre. The thing is, while one might refer to the single as a downtempo meets chillwave track, millhope’s eclecticism shines through bringing a genre-diverse flutter to the single.
As I mentioned, this is my first encounter with millhope, and I was unsure what to expect. Not a huge fan of instrumental singles, I was wary but eager to hear what was on offer. Blending aspects of post-rock, indie-rock, synth-pop and shoegaze, millhope’s instrumental song sends chills down your spine but retains an odd warmth in the electronic trills. Similarly, the vibe may be hazy with a kaleidoscopic fog, but there is a delicate precision in weaving the various elements together.
Spacious and complex, ethereal and energetic, soothing but brash, fragile and robust, ‘Reflection’ is the theme song to distraction. My one complaint is that despite a five-minute-long melody, ‘Reflection’ is far too short. You might have time to settle into the groove with its harmonious rise and fall; however, just as you start drifting away there is an abrupt end. Perhaps a clever ending tempting you to explore more or a quick release from the intoxicating tone, all I know is I am eager to have millhope playing in the background when I relax at the end of a busy day.
Find out more about millhope on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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