CINEMANEMICO

Some really weird but also quite intriguing material on this CD - apparently a live production containing songs performed by various ensembles for the last decade; this time recorded with one specific line up.

But, calling these compositions songs may be overstating matters in some people's views I'd think. The piano and vocals do dominate proceeding; rather often in a melodramatic manner many associate with people from the south of Europe; but zany vocal effects, dissonant and arrhythmic piano themes do give these creations a certain unique atmosphere. Add in sometimes spacey and sometimes regular synths, some light and jarring and others dark and menacing; add artsy fragmented guitars to the mix as well; and insert brief moments, theme or entire song foundations by way of noises and you get some rather intriguing results.

The end result is a challenging mix of mellow piano and vocals, contrasted by grandiose, theatrical segments with the same elements - further contrasted by dark, ominous moods, electronic fragments and noise - and quite a few instances of dissonant as well as disharmonic explorations - verging on cacophony at times.

One to check out for those who'd like a slice of really challenging music.