MISTY CIRCLES

AVANGUARDIA MUSICALE DAL 1984

 

 

RECONDITA STIRPE

"Recondita Stirpe"

Misty Circles - 2006

miniCD - 100 copies

 

Recondita Stirpe is a new band from Genova, Italy, whose debut release comes as a six-tracks EP released by Misty Circles, the historical Roman label that has contributed to discover some of the most interesting Italian artists of the last generations, such as Spiritual Front, Kannonau and Vri-il. Masterminds behind this four-members combo are Christoff and Diego Banchero, who has played with cult dark progressive names like Malombra and il Segno Del Comando, also active in Genova. Recondita Stirpe play what we could call neofolk the Italian way, with epic and romantic atmospheres born from a centuries-old music tradition, as well as the warm-blooded temperament of Mediterranean people. Probably, their most interesting feature is the musician's background, in particular Diego Banchero's, that brings a total different approach to the often scarcely inventive neofolk matter.

Opening "Fire On Us" is a wonderful introduction to the band's style: powerful ritual acoustic folk with keyboards that give a tasty touch of new wave to the formula. The most outstanding feature is certainly the vocals, with both lead singer Cristoff and the choruses doing an excellent work. Following "Devotion" is probably the best tune of the set, an epic and fascinating ballad where a Morriconian trumpet dominates the scene, while percussions and accordion enhance the very rich and personal sound. Again, vocal parts stand out with a stunning chorus that smells of magic formula.

The title-track is the band's manifesto, a disturbing ritual chant where Cristoff's voice whispers like an evil goblin while a haunting chorus repeats its diabolical spell. "Raskolnikov" feeds on melancholic French atmospheres, with the accordion dominating the scene, while ghostly vocals and an unsettling singsong pursue the listener. Final "Lord Of The Unknown" combines the elements seen up to know with an angry declaiming voice, and is probably the least fascinating of the five songs featured on the CD.

Recondita Stirpe take neofolk as a starting point, in particular the Death In June of "Nada!" or "Brown Book", but they incorporate a lot of other elements: traditional French songs, Ennio Morricone's soundtracks, popular Italian folk, dark wave. With this six-tracks EP, the band gives proof of considerable talent and taste, which should ensure them attention and recognition for their future releases. Another very promising debut for a possible new dark star of the Italian underground.

Simon V.

 

Contact: diegobanchero@reconditastirpe.com

Website: http://www.reconditastirpe.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/reconditastirpe

Postato da: atrofact a 09:34 | link | commenti |