EMANUEL
ERRANTE - humus
(CD, somnia)
The Italian ambient composer Emanuele Errante
offers another album of his finely crafted music, for which basically most
of what I wrote about another release of his, “migrations” on apegenine
from 2006, still rings true. To quote myself: “…between modern composition and dense ambient drones he
presents (...) multilayered tracks that celebrate the fine point between
immobility of sounds and large movements without ever being minimal. Quite
contrary, these songs are rich and lush in their arrangements, overflowing
with spheres, pads and manipulated instruments (...)These sounds are warm,
their pulse is even and likeable, the arrangements are lush and organic.“
And so on. If it weren’t so true still, I wouldn’t quote it, because
then it would be arrogant or at least lazy. Here it is a matter of fact.
Or almost, because „humus“ is
definitely also a step forward into a more concrete or let’s say into a
direction less open to free association but more connected to certain
associations. While the overall impression remains, the single tracks have
more specified themes as are expressed in the music, and partly there are
some more sombre or even darker tones as well, as for instance on the second
track „lucus“. And there seems to be a feel toward more composed and
directed music, instead of the organic growth of earlier music. It also
feels as if Errante has been drawn towards world music, or maybe that is
just because of the pan flutes that seem to creep up here and there. Don’t
worry, there is still enough electronic manipulation and originality to last
you a long while.
The line between analogue sources
and digital or electronic sources have become more and more blurred, and
here it is completely disposed of. The impression is that there is a mix of
„natural“ and „synthetic“ sources, but it is impossible to tell
which is which. And after some time even with those parts where you thought
you were pretty sure it is not so easy to say anymore. This kind of
irritation is a good thing for all kind of art. For this kind of music it is
set out to prove that no matter how technical an invention might be, how
much above, aloof or away from the common heritage of nature in all of us,
it is impossible to completely deny the fact that mankind is also a part of
nature.
The distinction between nature /
planet earth on the one hand and mankind on the other hand is a purely
dogmatic and ideological one. And, after all, these roots we share with the
oceans and the wild live, flora and fauna, makes itself felt in all kinds of
unexpected places. Which probably is a main theme on „humus“ as well,
and the consequential thought that therefore we should take some time and
effort to save the planet. The cover design also hints in this direction,
looking as it does like a sign for a fair trade or development project.
For instance in the music of
Emanuele Errante, where no matter how the keyboard sounds of the more static
and minimal tracks on „humus“ have come to be heard, the tracks
themselves always seem to flow with the gentle and easing pulse of nature.
Which makes this a laid back and wonderful record, one whose music might
flow around you like a warm breeze or a nice warm bath, and helps you to
relax. There are many undertones and second thoughts within the tracks to
give them substance that you can bite into. And meditate on all kinds of
facts of life to clear your mind.
