Cover of Peter Broderick Docile
Hellring

• Rating:

For fans of modern classical music, lovers of minimalist piano, listeners who enjoy ambient and neoclassical genres, and those interested in philosophical or emotional instrumental music.
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THE REVIEW

From the homeland of the philosopher Kierkegaard, Denmark, comes this work by Peter Broderick, American multi-instrumentalist and yet another author of "modern classical", a music genre halfway between ambient, neoclassical experiments, and looks to the past.

Docile is Broderick's first real album, which takes inspiration from the fundamental lines of thought of the aforementioned philosopher: anguish, despair, that nostalgic feeling of melancholy that Peter Broderick translates into music with sweetness and simplicity in the 10 piano visions that make up Docile (published by the Danish label Kning Disk in 2007).

The piano is the "tyrannical" instrument of this short CD. Broderick composed it to contribute to a long series of works dedicated to this instrument, a project initiated by Kning Disk itself. Not being a piano specialist, the twenty-year-old (at the time of the album's release) proves himself to compose not only with his heart but also with his brain: knowing that he is not dealing with his favorite domain, the composer doesn't attempt the impossible with the keys, but instead eliminates the hyper-complex baroque architectures of other musicians and limits himself to executing his task with clarity. "Begin", "Moment", "Null", "Dearest", "Ceasefire" stand out for their delicacy, simplicity, and freshness of sound. Nothing transcendental, nothing so fabulous as to hail it as a masterpiece. Just under half an hour of light and uncommitted notes, never neglecting that melancholic vein that permeates this full-length work. Enjoy it.

1. "Begin" (2:03)
2. "Moment" (2:17)
3. "Null" (2:01)
4. "Diverge" (3:37)
5. "Dearest" (3:01)
6. "Ceasefire" (3:47)
7. "Query" (2:26)
8. "Laden" (3:13)
9. "Lull" (2:06)
10. "Return" (2:27)

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Summary by Bot

Peter Broderick's debut album Docile, released in 2007, offers a gentle and melancholic collection of 10 piano pieces. Inspired by Kierkegaard's philosophy, the album embraces simplicity and clarity over complex structures. Though not groundbreaking, it presents an intimate and accessible listening experience. The review highlights notable tracks for their freshness and delicate sound.

Tracklist Videos

01   Begin (02:03)

02   Moment (02:17)

03   Null (02:01)

04   Diverge (03:37)

05   Dearest (03:01)

06   Ceasefire (03:47)

07   Query (02:26)

08   Laden (03:13)

09   Lull (02:06)

10   Return (02:27)

Peter Broderick

Peter Broderick is an American multi-instrumentalist and composer known for modern classical/ambient works and intimate folk-leaning songs. He has released music on labels including Type Records and has collaborated with acts such as Efterklang.
04 Reviews

Other reviews

By Hellring

 Broderick shows that he can immerse himself in realms far from the nostalgic sadness of his debut.

 His ability to renew himself while also remaining positively tied to the past makes him one of the most interesting names in this modern musical reality.