The Real Zenogram transforms poetry into art on debut, "Mirabeau"
On Mirabeau, The Real Zenogram emerges from decades of musical exploration to deliver a haunting, emotionally rich solo debut that bridges past and present. Italian-born and UK-based, The Real Zenogram has been a fixture in the music world for over forty years, most notably as a co-founder of the Norwich art-rock ensemble Pindar’s Apes. Yet this first release as a solo artist in the streaming era proves he is far from resting on his laurels. Here, he channels a lifetime of experience into a lush, atmospheric soundscape that feels both timeless and immediate.
Originally conceived in Milan in the early 1990s on a cassette 4-track, Mirabeau sets Guillaume Apollinaire’s 1913 French poem Le Pont Mirabeau to music, delivering art-pop with literary weight. The Real Zenogram’s production deftly balances vintage digital and analogue textures, from Korg M1 and Arturia synths to Behringer RD-9, creating a sonic palette that feels simultaneously retro and forward-looking. The track was brought to life at his Norwich home studio and polished by Natalie Bibby at AIR Studios in London, giving it a pristine and expansive finish that highlights the intricacies of everything you’re about to hear.
Clocking in at five and a half minutes, Mirabeau is a masterclass in atmosphere. The synth work is intricate and layered, weaving through the song with fluidity while punctuated by delicate horns that emerge and recede like ghosts, adding a cinematic dimension. Piano motifs float through the mix, grounding the track with elegance, while the drum programming is punchy, energetic, and unmistakably pop-forward.
Vocally, The Real Zenogram’s performance is tender and expressive, perfectly suited to the emotional cadence of the poem. Sung in French, the delivery adds a layer of intimacy and European sophistication, allowing the listener to experience both nostalgia and immediacy. The song’s layering and textural complexity recall the work of legends within the genre, yet it maintains a distinctly personal signature, informed by decades of artistic refinement and post-punk sensibilities.
Mirabeau is more than a song, it is a study in emotional resonance and sonic craftsmanship. Its blend of art-pop, synth-pop, and post-punk-influenced electronics makes it a rewarding listen for those attuned to texture, poetry, and nuanced production. The Real Zenogram has managed to translate literary beauty into a lush, pop-inflected electronic canvas, proving that his decades of experience have only sharpened his creative vision.
Sincerely, we hope this isn’t a one off and that the artist is working towards releasing more music that sounds just like this! We’re excited for what’s in the future, but for now, go ahead and click those links below to listen in, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for the latest.
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