Instrumental momentum for New Blue Sun was enough to carry André 3000. It was a moment of interest from an artist who is defined by earlier releases in other genres. His desire to break from that is understandable, and his efforts up to that point were admirable. But 7 Piano Sketches, his EP-length latest album, is far from the quality improvisations heard on his 2023 release. “Sketches” is a generous term for this collection of instrumentals, some of which are barely given the chance to establish themselves as moody pieces, moments of inspiration, or even songs. These are suggestions of where songs could be found, but not songs themselves. Loose ends which would otherwise go unheard. Proof, then, that not every tape is worth listening to. This is not a One Wayne G moment for André 3000, nor is it of a The Bootleg Series quality. Scraps of vague interest at best.
But there is still reason to listen. In an always online culture, there is an expectation of an artist to either share their work or at least the process of creation. It is no longer a mystery. No more can the creativity of one person be shrouded in intrigue. It must be laid bare, and it is here by André 3000. Opening song Bluffing in the Snow is, aside from Off Rhythm Laughter, the most fully formed. It tackles the piano jazz well, prevented from becoming a cool lounge charmer thanks to a few loud notes. But that’s what keeps 7 Piano Sketches fresh, and at the very least, vaguely interesting. It has no strong beginning, no end, either. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s the purpose of 7 Piano Sketches. Outlines for songs which could become more, though considering they are released in this form, it is doubtful these instrumentals will be explored any further.
7 Piano Sketches has not received the same acclaim as Mac DeMarco did when dumping all his files out or when Dylan throws a filing cabinet’s worth of archival tapes at his team, because it offers little insight. Light and limited is the way 7 Piano Sketches goes, though it tries to engage with some structure by introducing each song. And Then One Day You’ll… is an open-ended piece, and even the tone sounds undeveloped. Whether this was meant as a rewarding, positive piece or a heartbreaker hinting at the end on the horizon, we may never know. Part of the charm to 7 Piano Sketches is the unknowable, but we know what it sounds like because we have experienced it across all genres. It does not stand out all that much here.
Moments to follow are of the same style. Somewhat interesting to hear, but litter without connection to the songs before and after. A brief compilation of what André 3000 has been working on. A release for those who believe it would be a thrill to watch the creative process, then realise said process is a lot of noodling, giving in to distraction, and the occasional instrumental. Hotel Lobby Pianos is either a knock at said lounge music, ironic since the best parts of 7 Piano Sketches sound like it, or a genuine attempt to replicate the lobby music, a shame since it fails. The purpose of this is to highlight the creative process, but returning to it is an impossibility, and the instrumentation at play here sounds as though André 3000 is far off finding a style of interest for his next project.
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