SONOIO - Fine '2018

Tracks list

One of the most impressive aspects of Alessandro Cortini’s third SONOIO
release is its evolution of sound. The first two, titled BLUE (2010) and RED
(2011), had an almost spartan presentation, for the most part very clear and
concise. Things are bigger, riskier, messier, and more complex here.
Cortini’s vocals contain a newfound confidence; less a small voice in a
bright, empty space and more a booming declaration of his uncertainty at the
world around him. Everything on FINE is more layered, and intricate, miles away
from the purity and simplicity of where things began.

The first single, “Thanks For Calling”, is the most reminiscent of
early SONOIO (perhaps because it was released almost four years ago), but
sharper, dirtier. “Pieces” feels like a full realization of
“Silence” or “Memory Loss” from BLUE, closer to
something from Forse with lyrics than anything SONOIO. Vitamin D has wonderful,
open energy. Bad Habit”, the foundation of which is rotten, shifting
synths and almost fearful vocals unfolds to become triumphant. The menace at the
start of Under the Sea” eventual takes on a somewhat Depeche Mode flavor,
and the naked, unaffected guitar on What’s Before” in shocking in
its normalcy.

FINE is an excellent representation of everything Cortini has created since
BLUE, not just this third (and final) SONOIO album, but a culmination of all his
works; as himself (AVANTI, Risveglio, Sonno, the stunning, Buchla-driven Forse
trilogy), Modwheelmood, blindoldfreak, skarn, and the smattering of sonic bits
and pieces he’s released along the way. Whether or not fans of Cortini
prefer the intimacy of BLUE and RED or the more open surety of FINE is going to
determine where they rank this final installment. Would you rather be the only
other person sharing a quiet, doubtful moment with the man, or be a face in the
crowd witnessing a brash declaration of the same man’s thoughts and
feelings nearly a decade later? It would be advisable to take in the whole
trilogy before deciding.

Tracklist:
01. SONOIO - I Dont Know
02. SONOIO - Left
03. SONOIO - Thanks for Calling
04. SONOIO - Pieces
05. SONOIO - Vitamin D
06. SONOIO - Bad Habit
07. SONOIO - Under the Sea
08. SONOIO - Whats Before
09. SONOIO - I Dont Know (Coda)

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