ANATROFOBIA

The band have historically been an instrumental act, but now they have a singer, yet her approach (which may actually be just reading the words although she does sing as well) fits in well with what is an incredibly experimental and interesting outfit. There is a feeling of a large amount of improvisation on the album, although some pieces are obviously structured quite deliberately. But while there may be beautifully delicate fretless bass, that could be pitted against strange electronic noises and jagged sounds which both brings all the elements together yet also deliberately alienates them. Often one has no idea where the music is going, but then one does wonder if the band does either, yet somehow it always comes to a logical conclusion. Delicate yet strong, this is left field music for those who enjoy musicians who continue to push boundaries and do something quite different. Anatrofobia were originally formed nearly 30 years ago and it will be interesting to see if we have to wait another 13 years for the next one as this is both solid and incredibly interesting.

This is their third or fourth album. Their music is based on pulsating rhythms with woodwinds doing most of the melodies, helped by some electric guitars as guest instruments. They do not use any vocals. References are Yugen and Nichelodeon. Both those bands are from Italy too and I smell a trend here.

The music on this album is not bad at all. It has it's qualities. There is nothing here that excite me though. But nothing here is offensive or sleep inducing either. Neither is there any strong melodies or fascinating structures. This is a good avant-garde album and nothing more than that. I guess fans of Italian RIO must check out this album.

Good, but not essential or great music.

3 stars