How does futuristic nostalgia sound? What brings together the dark melancholia of the 80s and the danger of electronic experiments? The answer is called Hugo Trist.
Behind the enigmatic persona of Hugo Trist is a man who has roamed Switzerland's music scene since 1995. Urs Meyer, founding and still active member of legendary post-rock band Leech, wanders new paths with this project.
When the single Say It, Mean It dropped in March this year, I was blown away by the «nostalgia-dripping 2-step sound», which he effortlessly catapults «into a contemporary field of tension, meandering between melancholia and excitement.» And then, there are these massive, towering bass drones—shrinking your existence to a spec of dust in the back vortex of space and time.
Hugo Trist's debut EP, Understand Me Now, was released on May 10, proudly showcasing the shades within the dense sound. Collaborating with the mysterious voice of Nin Lil, the tracks gain an almost ethereal quality, a refuge for love and emotion in a cold, broken, post-modern world.
When my shelter starts to burst
And no one's left to hurt
You always seem to raise a smile
With the world at lightning speed
And time is all we need
With you, I want to rest a while
The press briefing for Hugo Trist states: «In the digital age, where everything is possible but nothing is real, Hugo Trist creates a magnetic pull for those who seek the enchanting convergence of sombre moods and electrifying rushes of euphoria.» And it is a perfect description of what to expect when diving into this world. However, I would add a fair warning: Once you are there, you won't easily escape.
But where can we find the spring of inspiration for the sound of Hugo Trist? Where are the traces in music history that we can track to better understand how Urs Meyer, playing the guitar, piano, and synthesisers for Leech, crafted the captivating compositions?
I have asked him to share five tracks that inspired Hugo Trist, and his answers mostly draw a straight line into the melancholic yet hymnic synth-driven songs of the 80s.
Ultravox – Hymn
Uplifting, captivating, powerful, and emotional. Still hits me every time I hear this masterpiece.
The Future Sound Of London – My Kingdom
I have a big love for this combination of mystic and floating sounds and groovy rhythms. I tried to copy this concept many times but never came even close…
Suicide – Surrender
Still feels like falling in love for the very first time!
Talk Talk – Such A Shame
I have no words for it, really. All of Talk Talk’s music touches me deeply, and this one in particular.
New Order – True Faith
The first time I heard this song was in my teenage years when I was riding bumper cars with someone I had a crush on. It has been part of my life since then.
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