21 Hz: Conscious musical trespassing.

What ever the liner notes may say 21 Hz is the brainchild of french bass player and producer Christian Ricci. He may surround himself with gifted musicians and his companion in life, Karin Steneby, still he makes his own very distinctive mark on the music. And while 21 Hz is a long travel from the early days of Christian Riccis musical career, those familiar with his work from previous projects will find some comfort in the fact that the latest release Ocean of Time still bears some recognizable characteristics.
But that's as far as it goes. Because Ocean of Time is conscious musical trespassing. Christian Ricci and 21 Hz takes their musical ideas past the boundaries and limitations. In short: The band expands the concept of Trip Hop. But the seemingly insatiable lust for experiments in sounds and rhythms
comes with a price tag attached: The listener has to have an open mind, an investigative spirit if you will, otherwise most of the finely crafted musical ideas will be about as interesting as watching paint dry. Because there is no obvious patterns, no easy listening or standard routes to follow. 21 Hz just doesn't work that way, but then again Christian Ricci never chose the easiest way.

Björn Segerblad
Freelance writer