APOFENIA

Apofenia, a beginning stage of schizophrenia? Eh, this can't release me anymore. When producing their albums, why do so many artists thematically deal with psychiatrical respectively psychological issues, well even mental disease sometimes? Self-experienced? I can't believe. It must be the mysticism around that so much the more. Contradiction and unity of brain and soul, coincidence concerning reality, dream, cognition. Something essential and fascinating in general. Now standing to reason, trying to be more concrete, going a step further, how does it come to such a beautiful result music-wise? Who will be able to answer that? Are they trying to define their specific border between genius and insanity? Non lo so.

Okay, at least when it comes to the musical output, there's no problem at all when trying to get close to this album. The band, situated not far away from Rome, is offering seven ambitious tracks here, nearly every crossing the 10 minute mark. Coincidence or not, it also took seven years, the debut yet came out in 2012. Anyway, the line-up almost stays, solely former singer Marco Marini is not aboard anymore. Instrumental parts are dominating, but for two occasions they have invited Alessandro Corvaglia, yeah, the voice of La Maschera Di Cera. Bravo, a good move. Meets my taste for sure, and the extravagant Un Nodo All'Anima for example marks the proof.

Mushin on the other hand, Trip Hop inspired a bit, includes a beautiful heart-wrenching vocal contribution by Gianna 'Jenny' Sorrenti. Yep, sister of Alan. Regarding the mix of English and Italian lyrics not straightaway, but no reason to complain really. Apogeo means arriving at a new peak, yeah, that should be the goal all along. This applies to the soaring electric guitar in between at a minimum. Conclusion: skillful and entertaining heavy progressive art rock featuring some symphonic leanings, in the stretch of around 78 minutes. Masterful? Time will tell. This means IL GIARDINO ONIRICO have produced an album of real extent and depth. 4.5 stars so far.