New Jersey-based composer Michael Keane broadens his horizons even further with his latest alias: “Distance Major,” an instrumental project that incorporates elements of prog rock and smooth jazz.
Distance Major’s debut single, “With You,” is a deceptively simple yet emotionally rich instrumental track that underscores Keane’s strength as a melodic storyteller. Released as part of the project’s self-titled debut album, the song is concise, structured, and imbued with a cinematic sensibility that reflects Keane’s broader artistic ambitions.
https://distancemajor.bandcamp.com/track/with-you-single
The arrangement of With You is elegant and restrained. It opens with a subtle pulse of bass and gentle percussive elements that establish a soft foundation, The heart of the track soon follows with the melodic lines, primarily a repeating synth motif, which serves as both “verse” and “chorus” in a traditional pop sense.
Midway through With You, the electric guitars kick in, adding distortion in the accompaniment along with solos full of character. Layers of ambient pads and light harmonic flourishes are built around the synth motif, rising and receding in waves. This approach creates a sense of movement, evolving through layering and subtle dynamic shifts instead of building up to a drop.
What makes the arrangement particularly effective is its production. The mix balances minimalism and richness with enough sonic detail to reward repeated listens. The reverb tails are long, and the stereo field is used thoughtfully, but Distance Major doesn’t overcrowd the mix as the clarity of the lead melody remains assured throughout.
From earlier work rooted in drifting ambient structures, Keane is drawing on song form more explicitly, but without sacrificing the atmospheric and cinematic qualities that defined his previous output. With You illustrates this maturation by delivering a distilled, refined expression of what Distance Major is.
This single is not a showpiece for flash or complexity, but rather a statement of purpose: that Keane can communicate deeply with restraint while creating music that feels cinematic, sincere, and thoughtfully composed. For listeners who appreciate instrumental music with heart, With You delivers.