Areavirus - Topofonie vol. 1
September 19th, 2007 by sparky
Psychonavigation, based in Ireland, is a label that is making more and more of a noise these days (albeit a highly experimental ambient soothing one). Home of the Electric Penguins and David Bickley, their latest release is from Enrico Coniglio, a guitar player and composer based in Venice. ‘AREAVIRUS topofonie vol.1’ is a glitch-cum-ambient-cum-jazz album apparently inspired by the ambience of Venice lagoon. Although it bears little overall similarity to another Venice, that of Christian Fennesz, there seem to be similar techniques of sound capture and looping at work; but the tunes here share equal prominence with the sculpted sounds. This is a disc populated by evocative noises and languid melodies, occasionally propelled by glitchy percussion which gently erupts like ripples on water. Acoustic instruments play a larger role than in most records of this type, notably piano (especially on the wonderful ‘Lav(a)sciuga’ and Alpen Tower) trumpet and clarinet, which makes for a warmer sound. The piano on the latter track is played by Hans Rodelius, who recently released a collection of pieces on this label, and this piece is strongly reminiscent of Brian Eno and Steve Hillage’s most laidback seventies work. Another standout is W&J theme, with the sublime trumpet of Arve Henriksen (of the Christian Wallumrod Ensemble, amongst others) intertwining with Coniglio’s guitar.
This is not an album that will grab your attention, rather it will soak into your consciousness. I’m guessing that’s the idea and it’s a beautiful downtempo album. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Jez Wells.
