Description
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Unstoppable percussionist Valentina Magaletti and dub scientist Zongamin have joined forces to deliver an exhilarating musical experience with their album ‘Suono Assente’. This collaboration showcases a range of ragged dream-pop-post-punk steppers and features guest appearances from Venus Ex Machina, Coby Sey, and Cathy Lucas. Drawing inspiration from influential labels like 4AD, Les Disques du Crépuscule, and Stroom, ‘Suono Assente’ immerses listeners in a world of unruly sounds and captivating rhythms.
Zongamin, also known as Susumu Mukai, first made waves as a solo artist in the early 2000s, releasing a series of influential 12-inch records on labels such as Kitsuné and Ed Banger. His self-titled album on XL further solidified his unique musical style. Although he may have taken on different roles in recent years, contributing bass to tracks by Floating Points, Alexis Taylor, Off World, Vanishing Twin, and others, Mukai’s talent has never faded. Sharing an East London studio with Italian drummer Valentina Magaletti, it was only natural for their experimentation to yield more collaborative material.
‘Suono Assente’ offers a shadowy collection of dub-inspired vignettes that showcase the strengths of both artists. The album opens with the gritty intensity of “Suono Assente” and “Candles,” two tracks that effortlessly blend post-punk sensibilities with hazy library and soundtrack sounds. As the album progresses, the duo takes a different direction with “Habadash,” featuring the captivating vocals of Vanishing Twin’s Cathy Lucas. This track transports listeners to a different realm, reminiscent of bands like Antena or even Slowdive.
Further exploring the album, Coby Sey’s characteristic rasp adds an intriguing dynamic to “Bites,” as his whisper-like vocals intertwine with the duo’s beatbox loops and acidic violin scrapes. Venus Ex Machina brings her unique touch to “Plants No Virtues,” transforming it into a swirling vortex of white noise and robotic vocals, while Mukai’s bass pulsates in the background. One standout moment is “Caffe Giallo,” a horrorstruck psych-rock groover that blends the eerie qualities of Religious Knives with the atmospheric allure of Ennio Morricone. With its druggy Hammond whistles, deadpan vocals, and low-slung bass, this track is sure to captivate listeners.
‘Suono Assente’ is a remarkable collaboration that showcases the innovative artistry of Valentina Magaletti and Zongamin. Their ability to seamlessly merge diverse influences and create a unique sonic landscape is commendable. If you’re a fan of dream-pop, post-punk, and captivating experimental sounds, this album comes highly recommended.
As Valentina Magaletti and Zongamin continue to push musical boundaries and captivate audiences with their innovative approach, ‘Suono Assente’ stands as a testament to their creative synergy and unwavering passion for sonic exploration.
