Mount Villa, a project led by composer Paulo Andruszkow, blends ’80s synthwave, vibrant pop, and cinematic jazz. This combination pulls listeners into a contemplative, almost otherworldly space where music serves as both storytelling and emotional exploration. Mount Villa’s debut album, Hour of Glitter, is out now via Villa Venus.
The album’s title and music endeavor to document and encapsulate a deeply personal narrative, capturing life’s shimmering, pivotal moments. It emerges from a desire to liberate oneself from societal norms, doubts, and adversities—a therapeutic and self-affirming manifesto urging both self-trust and bold steps toward forging an individual path.
The album delves into familiar themes such as everyday observations, relational conflicts, loneliness, and positive growth, presented through vivid storytelling. It transcends a mere collection of songs, positioning itself as a curated archive that seeks to distill the essence of life’s fleeting yet profound episodes, which resonate with a universal presence and immediacy.
Hour of Glitter opens with a gorgeous, shimmering sax solo instrumental with Closer. This is followed by the chill vibes of Feel It, which captures the relentless pace of life, where time races by and boundaries blur. Amidst the momentum, there’s an urgent plea for guidance and a search for direction. The repeated mantra emphasizes a visceral connection to the present moment, underscoring the instinct to move forward despite uncertainty.
Deep into the human psyche we go with the sophisticated city pop of Glitter, charting its conflicts and dreams with sharp emotional insight. It portrays a soul in the throes of transformation, eager to break free and fully realize its potential, thereby painting a vivid portrait of personal evolution and the quest for self-expression.
With the nocturnal reverie of Strange Time, we plunge into the depths, feeling a stirring connection. It’s a surreal epoch, where we ride waves of change, challenging perceptions and escaping mundanity. The embrace of arms, the intensity of pushing forward, and the cyclical allure of intense feelings all signify a burning desire for transformation and liberation.
Another chillwave instrumental, Interlude, happens before launching into Diorama. In this reflective piece, the yearning for freedom and deeper connection takes center stage. The speaker feels an acute sense of alienation, voicing a desire to escape down an uncertain path. Amidst the isolation, there’s a resolute spirit, a call to be heard, and an unspoken bond that seeks to transcend the indifference and distance.
In the introspective yet defiant No Call, the speaker oscillates between being an outsider and insider, seeking to amplify their own power and ascend beyond misjudgments. Amidst unreturned calls and unreciprocated efforts, there’s a striving for something new and meaningful. A plea for acceptance and authenticity intertwines with reflections on isolation, generational conflicts, and the persistent pursuit of genuine connection.
The final track, Wish, grapples with feelings of unreality and frustration. Despite earnest efforts, they face constant rejection and longing. There’s a yearning to give and receive more in a shared existence, burdened by impatience and the desire for fulfillment. Ultimately, the message centers on an unyielding wish to fully connect with a significant other.
Hour of Glitter is a dreamy album for all the fleeting souls and those who appreciate life’s processes. It is with the hope that it can be recognized by many. Listen to the album on your bike, in your car, or just at home in a quiet place. You are invited on a journey through various vibrant and uplifting sound collages that lead you into a personal and dreamy universe.
Listen below:
Paulo Andruszkow has worked as a DIY artist for many years and previously had the solo project Fuji Dream, which was presented on P3 Barometer in 2015-2016, and released the lo-fi album ‘Fifth Floor View’ under the former record label Idiot Disc Records. After that, he had the psych and post-punk project JUDEX (2017-2019) and released the album ‘Side Street Show’ in collaboration with producer Jens Benz (Ice Age, Modest, Moon Duo, etc.) and primarily performed in small clubs mainly in Copenhagen and Aarhus.
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