Genre/Influences: Soundscape, dark-ambient.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: Italian ambient artist Paolo Iannantuoni aka ‘Nāda Mushin’has released several songs on digital platforms during the past few years. He joined hands together with KrysaliSound to unleash his debut album “Mono No Aware”, which has been introduced as‘ a soulful peregrination that constellate the emotional chrysalises of a two years existential journey, flanked by an experimental sound research aimed at the composition of sonic landscapes, which attempt to enclose and recall these states; the result of free and spontaneous improvisations from demanding pathos, then finely embroidered in ever changing sonic buds’.

Content: The sound universe of “Mono No Aware” is clearly leading the listener into a dark and mysterious voyage created by electronic manipulations –mainly resulting in endless sonic waves, guitar effects and field recordings. The songs are characterized by a slow progression where different noises are emerging at the surface. The field recordings are important here, but I also noticed multiple sharp noise treatments and boiling sound waves.

+ + + : The opening track “Kōun 行雲 | To Drift Like Clouds” is an overwhelming piece of music, which immediately takes you by the throat. It also has a strong visual appeal, which is one of the main characteristics of this album. The dark and low tones create this nihilistic vision. Next to the opening track I also have to mention “Dawn” and “Yūgen 幽玄”. This is the right music to complete a visual performance.

– – – : The sound formula is not new at all and has something a bit predictable after a while. That’s why some passages are a little bit boring.

Conclusion: “Mono No Aware” is an interesting release in its genre; definitely minimal-like, but worthy of examination if you’re into obscure soundscape productions.

Best songs: “Kōun 行雲 | To Drift Like Clouds”, “Dawn”, “Yūgen 幽玄”, “Hypnos”.

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/Nāda–Mushin-366440473454731  

Label: www.krysalisound.com / www.facebook.com/Krysalisound-1878260159069174