Genre/Influences: Cinematographic, Dark-Ambient.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Ellipsis” is the third album ever released by this Italian project driven by Andrea Bellucci –who’s more knows for his involvement with Red Sector A and an endless number of projects like Dioxide, Nerva, Vetropaco, QOD ao. “Ellipsis” is the first new work in thirteen years and a rather special one as it features five tracks, which have been composed with five other artists. The title of the album refers to ‘cyclical themes or events in life and how we face these situations in a similar way.’

Content:  Paolo L. Bandera (Sigillum S ao), New Risen Throne, Exit In Grey, Nimh and Lunar Abyss Deus Organum contributed in chronological order to the work. The tracks are rather different from each other and yet connected by the Dark-Ambient plus Cinematographic approach of the composition. From icy atmospheres supported with field recordings to an organ sound in the background to the very explicit, dreamy guitar, this work has a lot to offer.

+ + + : I was especially impressed by the numerous details and sonic welfare of this work. You better use headphones to experience the impressive sonic canvas this album has been made with. There’s a perfect harmony between electronics and field recordings. “Oblivion” featuring Exit In Grey (Russian project) is a poignant cut that has something sacred because of the organ play in the background while the track goes over the 15 minutes. Another noticeable cut is “Ocean Chants & Ghosts” featuring Nimh. The guitar playing on this song creates a dreamy darkness.

– – – : I personally expected a bit more out of the collaboration with New Risen Throne, which I consider as a master in Dark-Ambient.

Conclusion: “Ellipsis” is a noticeable comeback for Subterranean Source and also an interesting concept for featuring other artists.

Best songs: “Oblivion”, “Ocean Chants & Ghosts”.

Rate: 7.

Artist: www.facebook.com/subterraneansource

Label: www.winter-light.nl / www.facebook.com/winter.light.1

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com

Genre/Influences: IDM, experimental, industrial.

Background/Info: QOD is a brand new Italian duo set up by Moreno Padoan (owner of Xonar Records and involved with Artcore Machine) and Andrea Belluci (who you probably know from his involvement with numerous projects such as Red Sector A, Dioxide, Nerva…). “Absequence” is the debut album of QOD.

Content: QOD deals with an experimental electronic approach, but still with a sophisticated composition. “Absequence” is characterized by sound creation, numerous effects and noise treatments. The tracks are driven by a slow and sometimes irregular cadence. You however will notice a few harder and bombastic kicks, which sound like beating drones.

+ + + : “Absequence” reflects all the maturity from this duo, which clearly excels in great sound treatments. It’s minimal, experimental, but first of all an intelligent creation. Padoan and Belluci clearly reveal themselves as truly sound architects. It’s the kind of work that might appeal to lovers of leading labels such as Ant-zen and Hands. I like the progression running through the tracks. The heavier sounding “2C (Collateral Clouds)” injects some diversity and appears to be a perfect track to play live.

– – – : The experimental format of the work is not made to conquer wider audiences, but QOD clearly sounds as a project for a restricted number of fine tasters.

Conclusion: I’m not saying that QOD is the ultimate experience in IDM and related music genres although it totally matches with the visionary approach of this music genre. I can only encourage QOD to work on new tracks.

Best songs: “2C (Collateral Clouds)”, “Dazed Cube”.

Rate: (7).

Band: www.facebook.com/qodxx

Label: http://store.silentes.it / www.facebook.com/silentes.label

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com