Published by Davide Pappalardo on October 1, 2017
Ramplingg is the new solo project by Sara Cappai, already one of the minds behind the Italian dream pop band Diverting Duo. Here she gives us music defined by her taste for experimental dark synthwave (as in the oldschool meaning of the term), as well documented in the EP here reviewed by us, called Cold device and released by Tiny Speaker.
Four tracks plus a bonus, a total of five tracks, which show us different aspects of dark electronics, mixing coldwave, noise, experimental music and ethereal moments. The work was recorded by Gianmarco Cireddu (who also plays the violin in the title track), mastered by Yvan Battaglia (who has already collaborated with names like Kirlian Camera) and mixed by Simon Balestrazzi (T.A.C, Dream Weapon Ritual, and many other projects).
Our journey starts with Man I, an ambient affair enriched by synthetic effects and cosmic sounds. A dark trip in a distant galaxy where the listener is engulfed by minimal keys amidst the growing whirls. The track flows into Man II, a more ritualistic and obsessive episode where heavily modified distant voices and shrilling sounds compose a cinematic experience, mixing noisy tension and ethereal atmospheres.
The mist is on the marshes recalls minimal wave music with its keys-loops and charming female vocals, giving us a more “melodic” number full of epic pathos and melancholy, without forgetting some robust rhythmic element in its soundwriting.
The title track returns to darker and more experimental territories with the usage of hypnotic sounds and voices. Then, an epic chant dominates the track together with an obsessive guitar, in a grandiose crescendo which grows and adds modified violins and synth layers to its structure; there is something sensual and at the same time scary at work here, for sure one of the highlights of the EP.
Set my heart is the bonus track, a song previously released on March 2016 by Tiny Speaker. It plays with sci-fi sounds akin to soundtrack music, adding Sara’s beatiful and hunting voice in a mix which wouldn’t be out of place in any album by the late Trentemoller. A perfect way to end a really great and interesting work.
Ramplingg is a name to remember, and Cold device is a shining gem in a panorama often saturated by post-punk clones and boring cliches. Here we find an international sound which even surpasses that of many big names in the game. Highly recommended.
Label: Tiny Speakers
Rating: 8