★★★★
Lawrence Lek makes music and is also a simulation artist who uses computer-generated animation and video game engines to explore socio-political virtual worlds.
He collaborated with label boss Kode9 on the Notel audio-visual performances, a simulation of a post-apocalyptic automated hotel.
Lek’s AIDOL film is a CGI fantasy telling the story of a fading superstar, Diva, who enlists an aspiring AI songwriter to mount a comeback performance at the 2065 eSports Olympic finale, set in a realm of architecture, drones and snow-deluged jungles.
The soundtrack is a contrasting science fiction prediction, complex, textured work.
Brilliantly realised, Diva’s yearning vocals, sung in English and Mandarin, casts future K-pop melodies over billowing, intricately arranged songs.