Cross breeding fine tuned classical strings, with subtle, electronic beats, this formally trained violinst is creating a new genre of his own. Going under the name of "Chapelier Fou", French for "Mad Hatter", the well loved Lewis Carrol character, Louis Waryinski is a one man band who is gaining a cult following in Europe. Due to general lack of promotion, his debut album "613" was extremely underrated, partially because the c.d is almost impossible to get hold of online. Likewise, the Hatter's latest E.P "Al Abama", the final third part of a compilation trilogy, is already sold out on Amazon.
From first listen, the title track from "Al Abama" wouldn't sound out of place on an Alice in Wonderland soundtrack. With the playful tinkling of the organ, reminiscent of a Victorian Circus, juxtaposing against the quirky chime of a piano's top notes, the freakshow melody is given a modern touch with the background pace of an urban drum beat. Adverse to "613", the E.P is predominately influenced by abstract and experimental electro. Tracks such as Mysterieux message and La Bonne Orthograph, seem to boast a subtle, yet experimental quality of electro that any fan of Four Tet and Apparat would (or should) take a liking to. Meanwhile, the finale track "Hahahahaha?", contains his trademark violin intervention. The silky stringed melodies are undoubtedly emotion-provoking, and are complimented by a background of mechanical electronic sounds. Showing Chapelier Fou at his best, the track is a stand out on the E.P.
Through "Al Abama", Waryinski manages to show his broad Versatility as a musician, branching out into techno, electro, classical and even Nu-Jazz induced styles. Without being overwhelming, the musician has shown that he has progressed since his "613" days. Although this may be a deliberately limited release, one can only hope that spreading the word will get this talented musician some well deserved recognition.
By Lizzy Short
By Lizzy Short
Unfortunately, Fou's most recent songs are not yet on youtube, but here are a couple of older, less electronically-induced songs.
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