Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA I Fantomatici - Giustazia Sommaria
 | This is a very interesting disc. Combining spaghetti western, spy, surf, and atmospheric production, this Italian band are charting new territory. Very good writing and engaging ideas. |
Picks: Anni Di Piombo, Assalto Alla Diligenza, Asteroide, Costa Esmeralda, Dr. Destino, Gangsters, Gita Al Mare, Mexicono, Mr. Grancho, Operazione Sceicco, Sol Stizio D'Estate, Yuri Gagarin, R.I.P.
Track by Track Review
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Like a cross between John Barry and Ennio Morricone, "Anni Di Piombo" is a pulsing spaghetti spy song with lots of ominous drama.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
"Assalto Alla Diligenza" is a splendid spaghetti western with a galloping rhythm and eerie sound. Haunted by spatial reverb, the moody melody rides a stereo wash of shimmer courtesy vibrato and panned delay. Sound effects of horses and gunshots complete the bandito image.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Pumping rhythm and tweaky electro-sounds in a dark syrup of sub space danger. Not melodic, but riffy pulsing power.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
A fine playful melody strides across a circulating rhythm. "Costa Esmeralda" is very cool and catchy, with a bit of humor and spatial fullness. Fun and engaging.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
An open road adventure kind of song with shimmer and throb from reverb and vibrato. "Dr. Destino" has a definite coastal feeling, and the melody portrays motion. The tribal beat adds drama.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
This song sports a catchy riff and a light hearted sound. A wash of reverb and atmospherics give it a huge distance, though it's not far away. Bad guys never sound this melodic.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Light and fluid, playful and warm, "Gita Al Mare" is a fine song for an energized happy day. Pretty without being sappy, and featuring great drums.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Warm tone and a Spanish influence create a pleasing and fluid sound. The melody is very pleasing and well developed. "Mexicono" seems to smile.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Stereo vibrato makes "Mr. Grancho" pulse in an atmospheric wash. More riff than melody, but very fun. The uplifting joy of the song is quite evident.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Spies on surfboards zigzag between curl riders in search of sleepers. They don't find them, but the hunt is dangerous nonetheless. "Operazione Sceicco" is a nice song with a real espionage feeling and sound.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
"Sol Stizio D'Estate" is a very pretty song, with a beautiful melody and broad atmospherics. The muted rhythm and gentle percussion, along with the round bass lines, create a romantic underpinning for the haunting melody.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Russian Cosmonaut "Yuri Gagarin" is immortalized in this instrumental. Perhaps a bit like early Laika and the Cosmonauts, the song is decidedly European, yet has a surfable sound.
Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)
Unlisted at the end of the disc, "R.I.P." is a beautiful and atmospheric song that floats on a sea of reverb and mist. Great percussion and moodiness.