RedazioneItalian composer and producer Alfonso Montagnese, known in the music world as REKOMBINANT, presents an exceptional piece of work with his debut solo album, A Bridge Between Us – Anniversary. Released under SUBEXOTIC RECORDS, this album stands as a testament to Montagnese’s profound dedication to music and collaboration. It is both a personal and artistic milestone, creating a bridge metaphorically and sonically between diverse European artists.
The album is a dual-spirited creation, bifurcated into two distinct yet complementary segments: “Ethereal” and “Concrete”. This structure allows Montagnese to explore a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions through an impressive 24 tracks.
The “Ethereal” section embraces ambient and drone territories. Here, Montagnese and his collaborators—such as Luca Longobardi on “Wrong Direction” and Francesca Pizzo on “A Vivid Recollection of Past Emotions”—craft atmospheric soundscapes characterized by lo-fi piano elements and enveloping, obscure textures. The absence of pronounced rhythmic structures in these tracks invites listeners into a meditative space where the focus shifts to the purity of sound and its emotional resonance. The sparse, yet impactful use of rhythm in tracks like “Imaginary Journeys” highlights the delicate interplay between silence and sound.
In contrast, the “Concrete” portion is dominated by rhythmic complexity and cinematic influences. This section is where Montagnese’s affinity for vintage gear, including the Rhodes MKV and the Roland Juno6, is particularly evident. Tracks such as “A Glimpse of Youth,” featuring Raffael Seyfried, and “Solar Flares,” with Andrea Leva, exhibit a robust bassline and rhythmic drive that anchor the otherwise ethereal compositions. The basslines in these tracks are not only prominent but also meticulously layered, creating a driving force that complements the intricate, cinematic soundscapes.
Montagnese’s use of both vintage and modern equipment infuses the album with a distinctive sonic palette. The juxtaposition of old analog instruments with contemporary digital gear produces a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The result is a collection of tracks where each piece stands as a unique dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation.
Overall, A Bridge Between Us – Anniversary is an exemplary album that bridges different musical worlds and artistic sensibilities. The meticulous crafting of rhythmic and ambient elements, combined with a wide array of collaborations, ensures that this album is a profound and evocative listening experience. REKOMBINANT’s debut solo project is a testament to his artistic vision and collaborative spirit, offering a compelling narrative through a diverse sonic landscape. We are thrilled to showcase this high-quality work on our webzine and highly recommend it to anyone interested in the intersections of electronic and drone music.
Tracklist:
- Wrong Direction (feat. Luca Longobardi)
- Imaginary Journeys (feat. PLUHM)
- Contrast and Above (feat. Paolo Pino)
- A Vivid Recollection of Past Emotions (feat. Giovanni Battagliola, Francesca Pizzo)
- A Glimpse of Youth (feat. Raffael Seyfried)
- A Unique Place
- Solar Flares (feat. Andrea Leva)
- Over the Glass (feat. Marco Lucchi)
- Snow Puzzle (feat. Roberto Pentassuglia)
- Phantom (feat. Michele di Maio)
- Radiophonic Corp
- Photogram 00.20
- Dark Knight (feat. Emanuele Bultrini)
- Not Only Grey (feat. Francesca Pizzo, Michael Facchini, Nicola Gallorini)
- Erased Field (feat. Ran Levari)
- Count In or Not (feat. Mirka Valente)
- Project X (feat. Giacomo Rosapepe)
- Mass Black Implosion
- Unsquarable Circle
- Sometimes It Happens (feat. Emanuele Bultrini)
- Living in a Snow Globe (feat. Giorgio Rampone, Nicola Gallorini)
- Echoing Empty Shadows (feat. Francesco Maria Narcisi)
- Crazy Talking (feat. Federico Procopio)
- Dusty Archives
