Endo: Nuclearte

Having previously released their work through Peter Gabriel's Real World label and also appeared at WOMAD, Sicilians, Endo have already made an impressive mark on the world music scene. The band's latest offering, Nuclearte, finds them teaming up with Black Widow Records to get their musical ideology out there. Dipping toes in a variety of genre pools, likening this quintet to much else proves pleasingly difficult; progressive, electronic, ambient, world music being as close a description as you may find. The beats are often from a dance base and yet with the languid, relaxed style the band favour, you won't find many people giving it large on the dance floor as "Argla" or "Electra" unfold. Although that's not to say that you might not see people staring to the stars with blank faces in hope of deciphering exactly what's going on.

Singer, Rossana "Ramya" Filippone, is solely responsible for the concept behind Nuclearte, part one of what will become a the three part piece. Although don't expect to be easily whisked away on her science based visions, or grand explanations. Previously the beautifully voiced front woman has employed Sicilian, Sanskrit and Dula as her languages of choice, here she makes up her own. Captivating though her Middle Eastern/Chinese like call to prayer/wailing is, with no further detail in the CD packaging, working out exactly what is going on during this 'story' is a task beyond all but the lady creating it.

That however doesn't stop the string infused soundscapes that stretch out in front of you from being captivating, or picturesque, but it does ensure those requiring some sort of narrative will feel left on the sidelines. It also causes some of what you experience here to begin to merge together and lose character in the process. However with Antonio Leta punctuating proceedings with some excellent drumming and Sergio Schifano laying down some restrained but still involving guitar undercurrents, if you lean in close and try to immerse yourself in the universe Endo create, there is a rewarding atmosphere to soak in.

With Nuclearte, Endo have pieced together an album that's both remote and welcoming. There's no denying it's at times a tough journey but as there is along most difficult paths, there's some scintillating beauty to experience along the way.

Track Listing
1. Argla
2. Al Akay
3. Kabesh
4. Ixorius
5. Endo
6. Ater Tumti
7. Glei Nhoà
8. Electra
9. Iso'h
10. Hinn'oo

Added: March 31st 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Black Widow Records
Hits: 1487
Language: english

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