In 1998, Tyondai Braxton, an American composer and musician, began arranging and performing with various bands, such as the experimental rock group Battles, before embarking on his individual journey in 2010. Since the composer’s solo debut, he has released a number of experimental albums and performed at monumental spaces like the Sydney Opera House, The Cartier Foundation Museum in Paris, and more. For nearly three decades, Braxton has been pushing the boundaries of the music industry, while simultaneously gaining multinational recognition for his experimental, avant-garde sound.

Braxton’s compositions are particularly difficult to contain in a single genre; his use of contemporary classical, experimental rock and avant-garde harmonies accompanied by instruments ranging from strings to kazoos to synthesizers create an unprecedented experience for listeners. It is where ensemble meets modern electronic music. The American musician’s thoughtful and experimental approaches to his sound create a mind-altering experience for his audience.

On November 11, 2022, Braxton released his sensational album, Telekinesis to musical fanatics worldwide. The record consists of four songs that transfer listeners’ minds into the midst of an old-school horror movie where the main characters are approaching the eerily dark, restricted room moments before the monster’s ambush. The album, containing electric guitars, orchestra, choir and electronics, is 35 minutes of pure, unadulterated aural stimulus delivered on a silver platter; it’s a soundtrack listeners never knew they needed.

“Overshare” starts off the album with an overwhelming energy that entices listeners. The track opens with an eerily reverbing flute harmony, which leads into a sharp, thrilling violin progression accompanied by a fast rattling sound. The seven-minute song keeps a consistent sound throughout the track, but the melody is manipulated to create a dissimilar noise while using the same instruments; it is almost like a conversation between the composer and the audience. The various instruments layered on top of one another manifest multiple feelings of worry, suspense, overbearing and even hope in listeners.

“Wavefolder” follows up with almost nine minutes of pure auditory unease, and it is a multi-sensory experience that the audience does not know what to expect. The song’s introduction is sped up with a faster-banging beat and a louder, oscillating flute harmony. The track later included a discordant guitar progression, which is layered on top of a shrill melody and arranged in diverse ways. At the two-minute mark, there is a shift in tone; the sounds feel more lighthearted and then switch back to their overbearing nature; it goes back and forth throughout its entirety. The only word that comes to mind is consumption; the audience will have no room to focus on anything else.

The third song on the track, “Floating Lake,” begins with a compilation of distinct sounds, such as an eerie electronic hum, a sci-fi whooshing noise, light xylophone beats and dripping tap samplings. A few seconds after the one-minute mark, a similar flute progression from Braxton’s previous tracks make an appearance as well as sporadic trumpet blows. The choir is introduced around the halfway point and shifts from angelic to vengeful. The multitude of sounds spliced throughout this particular song creates feelings of intrigue and provides a quick break from the previous blood-pumping tracks; almost like the adventure is coming to a grinding halt. Then, Braxton proceeds into a chaotic yet tranquil closing.

The last song, “Overgrowth,” gives off a “get ready for battle” type of energy right off the bat. The track starts off with a fast-paced, deep violin progression combined with a shrill flute sound and repetitive trumpet beat. With the addition of ominous male vocals, it perfectly exemplifies feelings of sorrow and anticipation, which later mesh with the trumpet melody. As the song progresses, the noise is slowly raised as diverse instruments are incorporated to create a domineering feeling in listeners. Braxton’s approach to his compositions grasps the audience’s attention in the most intriguing way possible.

All of the songs on this eerily chaotic album amplify the eclectic sound Braxton has forged over the years, making his mark on the electronic music industry. Telekinesis is one-of-a-kind and takes listeners on an aural journey through experiences with the chaos that surrounds people in everyday life.