Engels - Engels III (2026) [Hi-Res]

Best known for his Cen-ProjekT project, German composer/multi-instrumentalist Chris Engels now alternates musical releases with a new series simply titled Engels, of which we have here the third installment. Having discovered this talented musician with the release of his album *The Lost One*, I find in the music of the ENGELS albums that very particular atmosphere that immediately captivated me, adopting a somewhat melancholic and introspective tone, somewhere between Pink Floyd and Rick Miller.

At a time when computer profiles tend to replace people, and algorithms replace thought, the album *ENGELS III* explores the good and bad implications of digitalization.

"Office Light" perfectly captures this ambivalence, adopting a tone oscillating between fear and optimism. "Raised By The Screen" is a melodic rock song with a lovely rhythmic swing, punctuated by some beautiful acoustic guitar passages. “The Price Of Being Seen” is a slow march, and the vocals take on a more poignant and disillusioned style. “The Hand On The Switch” reinforces this melancholic, almost tearful atmosphere.

The return of the acoustic guitar on “The Age Of Knowing Less” brings a touch of lightness, but the overall mood remains dark and disillusioned. We'll have to wait a little longer for major chords! The tone hardens even further on “Not For Free.” Cheap comes at a price. I can still hear my grandmother repeating this popular proverb. Extrapolating to the concept of total freedom, Chris's lyrics and music invite us, with a certain gravity, to carefully consider the true consequences of such freedom.

For “Brian,” the simple sounds of the barrel organ immerse us in a gentle triple-time waltz. And as always, Chris delivers a melody that hits the mark. "A Brighter Day"... The title suggests a brightening of the music... Well, not really in the first half. Everything changes when the musician decides to pick up his electric guitar for a breathtaking solo. Don't miss it, it's the album's optimistic moment!