THE SECRET WOOD TALES

Roby TAV and Tiziana RADIS are two Italian musicians who have cooperated on a number of occasions to a greater or lesser extent. They have formed a band as well, Divine Mentia Dark, where they explore a sound they describe as gothic industrial. The aim of the collaborative effort "The Secret Wood Tales" was to cover a rather different musical ground however, one blending goth rock with folk-inspired instrumental motifs.

This is an album that appears to aim at projecting beauty and magic more than anything else, and those who like the vocal performance in particular should find plenty to enjoy on this contemporary take on a folk- and classically-inspired rock creation. The occasional metal guitars are used as a contrast to the beauty, giving the limelight throughout a nice concept, and one that should find favor amongst quite a few familiar with the lifestyle generally referred to as goth. And while I wasn't convinced by the total sum of the parts on this particular production, there is a lot of talent involved here. And I suspect this duo might have a broad general appeal due to that alone.