Tripping with Nils Frahm: A joyous sonic journey

Christmas has come early for fans of ambient classical/electronic music. This concert film – produced by Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment – is a live version of Nils Frahm’s All Melody that takes listeners on a joyous sonic journey. 

Frahm released his debut album in 2005 and since 2011 has been signed to Erased Tapes. He is known for combining classical and electronic sounds and for his unconventional approach of mixing grand, upright and Rhodes pianos; Roland Juno-60 and Moog Taurus synthesisers and drum machines 

The movie is wonderfully seductive, weaving images of Frahm at work with quick glimpses of his beautiful audience as they begin to let loose and stand up one-by-one during the show. Their hands can be seen reaching toward the sky in appreciation of the German artist’s angelic, intriguing music. 

As one might expect from a company headed by Hollywood royalty, the production values are especially high. Frahm’s stage – set with a  piano, keyboard and synthesisers – appears to float like a glowing orb, surrounded on all sides by the attendees. Dressed casually in a farmer’s cap, checked socks and Adidas Gazelles, the artist moves around the space casually but with purpose. Close-ups of his hands hitting the keys as they collide with the hammers behind them add depth and texture to the viewing experience.  

Frahm has said of his ethos that he’s “interested in how human beings react in certain situations, and what music does to people’s emotions – how we can change people’s attitudes with tones. After I’ve played a good concert, people leave the room happy. This is something we can give back to the world. When people feel down and like it’s all going to shit, at least we can give them some music and change their attitude so people don’t think it’s all shit. That’s my religion.”

With this heartwarming, soul-nourishing film, mission accomplished.

Jessica Wall

Tripping with Nils Frahm is released digitally on Mubi on 3^rd December 2020.

Watch the trailer for Tripping with Nils Frahm here: