If you have the impression of Frank Joshua as a maker of dreamscape, ambient-infused indie music, often with more than a hint of wistfulness and perhaps even melancholy- and that is a fair impression to have- ‘Almost’ comes as an interesting and exciting development. That’s not to say that those signature sonic traits aren’t woven through the song, but there is a jaunty dancability that comes from the electro-beat and pulsing groove that drive it, pushing him more into a sound that sees him rub shoulders with the likes of Underworld and Röyksopp, Orbital and The Future Sound of London.
It is worth noting that Joshua’s formative musical years were shaped by a tug-of-war between the indie world, particularly Bowie, and the realms of jazz, soul, and funk. But such diverse forces are invaluable in the development of anyone interested in music, not least those who go on to make it. Listen to one style of music and perhaps all you can do is replicate it; explore more widely, and you will understand the broad scope and fun of experimentation, not to mention the utter pointlessness of sonic demarcations and musical lanes.
‘Almost’ is a fascinating song to unpick; any normal person will just bathe in its sonic charms, but this is essentially my job, so forgive my analytical approach to something that should be experienced more holistically. But dive deep and look around, and you find a slick singer-songwriter vibe, dancefloor rhythms, and sophisticated sonics playing out, and beyond that, some lovely brass breezing through and an overall pop sensibility.
The song explores those feelings that linger after relationships that almost were dissipate; those emotions evoked when what you hoped would become a reality drifts out of reach, perhaps not unrequited, but for whatever reasons remain unrealised. And it is this juxtaposition of regret and groove, melancholy and melodicism that puts this song on a pedestal.
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