CD Review : Noah Denzer’s Diminuendo in Purple and Orange

In his twelfth self-produced album since 2012, Rhode Island native Noah Denzer recently released Diminuendo in Purple and Orange, an ambient experimental folk album that redefines the singer-songwriter genre. Denzer, a Salve Regina University student, writes, records and produces all of his albums himself. He twists folk and alternative music together to create a unique sound.

Dim was released in May, but Denzer recently hosted an album release party on Oct 11 at AS220 to publicly celebrate the new album. The event also featured a number of other Salve music groups, including Bodies of Water and Bike Boys Brigade.

Denzer’s throaty voice is gentle, with a little roughness around the edges. The ambiance of the tracks makes me feel hazy and cozy, and I can’t decide whether I’m longing for summer sun or welcoming the chill of autumn. Dim has a range of track lengths; “Green Eyes” and “Purple in Blue” come in around the 10 minute mark, while “Leave Behind” just surpasses two minutes. He weaves instrumental tracks throughout the album, allowing for room to play around with different instruments.

Some stand-out songs on Dim are “Green Eyes,” “Trouble” and “Paper Skies.” “Green Eyes” is arguably my favorite track, and “Paper Skies” makes me want to dance barefoot in the kitchen. “Salty, Starry Nights” reminds me of Newport nights on the beach, and is the perfect makeout song. The entire album just gives off good vibes, and is deeply emotional and honest. Denzer’s voice in “Leave Behind,” the final track on the album, is reminiscent of Jason Mraz, and even includes some Mraz-style scatting.

“Orange in Two” and “Purple in Blue” are two instrumental tracks that seem to fit together. They embody Denzer’s ambient, floaty sound, and “Purple in Blue” ends with a sick guitar riff. Purple and orange, the title colors of the album, emphasize the sense of freedom and creativity that shines through in Dim.

Diminuendo in Purple and Orange is easy listening for your soul. For more of Denzer’s music, visit noahdenzer.bandcamp.com