a r t i s t : Roberto Opalio
t i t l e : Chants From Isolated Ghosts
d a t e : 2005
l a b e l : Opax OPX013
g e n r e : Avantgarde
r l s. d a t e : Apr/2006
t r a c k s : 03
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 48,3 MB
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2005 - CD-R (edition of 99 copies in see-through translucent
sleeve, individually numbered; the first 40 copies come with
an additional silver ink drawing by Roberto Opalio,
individually signed)
OPX 013
Not just a soloist side-project by one half of MCIAA, but a
key-work to understand the new stylistic trajectory of the
band; a total intimate and nocturnal work, focusing on
estranged and completely improvised wordless vocals, with the
spacey sounds of guitar as soundscapes, and additional use of
real-time field recordings. In the isolation of the dark,
youÆll hear the ghosts dancing all around
Roberto Opalio forms one-half of the Italian dynamic duo, My
Cat is an Alien. To say that MCIAA has become one of my
absolute favorite groups in the past few months is a bit of an
understatement. During the past year or so, a period in which
the duo has released a mountain of space magic, Opalio also
found the time to put together a solo album that stands up to
any of MCIAA's best works.
"Chants From Isolated Ghosts" is an echo chamber filled with
brazen spirits, spelunking the furthest depths of the earth.
Three tracks make up this cosmic splurge, and all of them
traverse a similar, if not more sparse, plane as MCIAA. Opalio
is at his best when he's at his most minimal. The opening tack
features barely-there vocals and guitar hum. All the while,
the sound of a car alarm or tazer (take your pick) floats in
the backdrop. It's an ethereal gem. As it dissolves into a
clattering of chimes and archaic guitar wailing, there's a
feeling that whatever spirits were trapped, have now been set
free. It soars.
The second and third tracks are even more minimalist, but
equally impressive. The second has the feeling of being lost
underwater, watching as deep sea creatures show off their
bioelectrics. It's easy to get sucked into this icy void the
track creates. Opalio's vocal exorcisms throughout the album
are like a haunted excursion through a winter forest.
Everything is stripped of color and life, but the voice adds
immense texture and warmth. On the third track, this effect is
most powerful. It's a wonderful end to a wonderful album.
This past year has demonstrated one thing clearly to me: the
Opalio brothers are among the most talented artists on the
planet. Between solo releases and MCIAA, it doesn't get much
better. If you've missed the boat, now is as good a time as
any to jump on.
- Brad Rose
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01-Chants From Isolated Ghosts part 1 [20:23]
02-Chants From Isolated Ghosts part 2 [10:49]
03-Chants From Isolated Ghosts part 3 [06:57]
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38:09 min