I love a good instrumental rock album. I really do. But I was overcome with excitement when I clicked play on Armonite‘s new album, And The Stars Above, because it’s beyond good; it’s GREAT!
And The Stars Above is a sonic novel, a movie without visuals, a cinematic soundscape guaranteed to take your mind on a epic journey through sound.
Based in Pavia, Italy, Armonite opted for an electric violin as its lead voice. And boy does that electric violin shine. The lead voice in a whirlwind of epic instrumentation, the violin serves as the passionate, emotion evoking sorcerer that shines light in darkness, gives hope when all is lost, and soars with excitement during those moments we receive a bit of peace and joy amidst the chaos.
Classically trained composer Paolo Fosso and violinist Jacopo Bigi consider themselves anything but “classical”. Having played in a wide variety of bands during their lifetimes, this powerful creative force draws influences from all styles of music. In 1999, they released an album as Armonite but soon split after a few live performances.
Fast forward to 2015 and an updated musical line-up featuring bass work from Porcupine Tree as well as drummers Jasper Barendgret and Colin Edwin as well as some production work by Paul Reeve and mastering at Abbey Road Studios in London, the refreshed band released their album The Sun Is New Each Day in the summer of 2015. This release was followed by performances at Expo 2015 Milano organized by UNESCO, Bettmeralp in Switzerland and then a summer tour which took the band through the UK.
For their high caliber work, the band was awarded an Honorable Mention in two categories (Instrumental and Performance) at the 2017 International Songwriting Competition for their song Blue Curaçao.
Keeping the momentum going, the band is now promoting their new album And The Stars Above.
I am here to tell you that this is an album you must listen to from beginning to end. From the moment I clicked play on track 1, I couldn’t stop listening until the silence that followed track 14. And even then, I sat in that silence wondering what I had just experienced…so I clicked play again and took another trip through the masterful sonic creations of Armonite.
Whether you are listening in Bluetooth headphones or studio monitors, the entire album sounds amazing. Each element of every song shines bright and clear while creating a cohesive tapestry of unforgettable instrumental delights.
Consider me a new fan. Armonite will remain on my radar!
Listen to And The Stars Above on Spotify.
Connect with Armonite on their official website, FB or Twitter.
