ECHOES FROM THE UNDERTOW

Despite involvement in numerous Italian prog-rock projects over the last couple of decades, multi-instrumentalist Davide Guidoni is primarily known for his part in experimental duo DAAL. B-Rain, a play-on-words of `Brain', and meant to reflect a `mental rain' that the artist feels was his general frame of mind throughout this debut 2018 recording, acts as his first solo release, and is the very definition of eclectic! `Echoes from the Undertow' might retain traces of his Daal `day job', but primarily it moves in electronic, soundtrack and ambient directions, as well as incorporating touches of goth, jazz and symphonic. Mood and unhurried ambiance is key here, and the whole disc maintains a sumptuously cultivated atmosphere the whole way.

`Far From the Madding Crowd' is a spectral opener of gently weeping synths, icy Mellotron slivers and sombre electric piano musings, with just a few fleeting Jean-Michel Jarre-like wisps creeping in. The exotic `Lakeshore' unveils trickling synth programming that repeats into infinity around searing electric violin and meditative bamboo flute, ending up not far removed from the works of Robert Rich and even Kitaro, although the piece takes some unexpectedly ominous and urgent turns in the second half. `Overwhelming' is a gothic sound-collage of falling rain, creaking effects and intangibly whispering voices eventually permeated by grandiose orchestration, and the title track `Echoes from the Undertow' unfurls twitching programming, distorted weary trumpet weariness, moody synth caresses and Yves Potin/Jazzcomputer-like electric guitar jangles.

A complete change of direction, `The Cold Time of Solitude' could have appeared on most of ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett's solo discs, a symphonic theme of stirring cello, violin and regal electric guitar reaches rising up around scratchy Mellotron coatings. Mysterious and aloof, the twenty minute `Descending Mist' is primarily an ambient drone in the manner of Steve Roach , but there's a faint Seventies horror movie eeriness to its lurking electronic pulses, Mellotron drapery and chiming guitars (think Italian soundtrack legends Goblin). With sighing voices and the overall brooding unease, the whole quietly dramatic piece is captivating and completely mesmerizing. Thankfully, closer `Homeward Bound' is then a gently stirring acoustic finale that proves joyful, comforting and victorious.

Davide has delivered a tasteful and luxurious work of enticing subtlety and great variety here on his first B-Rain disc, and if any of the artists mentioned above interest you, chances are you find similar qualities to connect with their music here. While `Echoes from the Undertow' may not be something you'll listen to every day, each time you do, this elegant work of refinement and poise will cast a truly bewitching spell.

Four stars.