The artistic duo that is Armonite bring together modern and classic instrumentation in their sound – creatively fusing the violin and the world of 21st century music production, they craft unique soundscapes that uplift and mesmerize in a consistently exciting way.
The March Of The Stars, the opening track, emerges in itself as something multi-layered, complex and provocative. The lyrics pose a poetic, reflective side to the song, the later instrumental evolution poses a thick and intense alternative vision – an uprising of sorts. Things continue to wander freely and unpredictably throughout the rest of the project.
Armonite offer audiences a certain neo-classical aura. Their music comes complete with the riding bass-lines and rhythm of jazz, but it’s soaked in something much more modern or other-wordly. At the same time as all of this, each story-line builds its meaning around you in a new and colourful way.
Next Ride is a grand example of all of the above. Structurally the track grows from one thing into many others. What’s for certain at this point is that the duo share an undeniable passion and unity when performing. These soundscapes are original and forever interesting, but on top of this – the skill with which they are presented is phenomenal.
Emotionally there are varied moods crafted throughout this album. District Red is an early example of the chaotic, unsettling potential of the duo’s expressive artistry, though neither of these descriptive words take anything away from the hypnotic power of the music.
Plaza de España follows and calms you down almost immediately. This one has a certain beauty about it that I personally found quite addictive. It follows its own sense of rhythm, as if its heart beats in some unique way. Armonite fuse organic delicacy and distortion, among other things, to add to the sheer level of contrast and creativity utilized at every step.
Elsewhere on the project, lyrical snippets of provocative ideas come through on tracks like Clouds Collide, a spacious but growing soundscape with specifically thoughtful ideas. The almost whispered female vocal adds a new layer of human emotion and softness.
Blue Curaçao afterwards adds a welcomed touch of alternative rock into the mix. A cool and expressive piece, another personal highlight for its swagger and style. By Heart follows and contrasts intensely to deliver something blissfully dreamlike and gentle, though still holding close to that undeniable level of detail and consideration that is the Armonite way.
Freaks builds before you a relevantly haunting and cleverly captivating piece of alternative, classical musicality. This one holds tight to your attention with every new sound and for its unusual fusion of genres and feelings. By the Waters of Babylon follows and drives with the familiarity of an organic piano, strings, and double bass. Things grow here in a way that draws you to really consider the live performance aspect of the duo’s work. There’s powerful emotion here.
The usual drink takes you on a slow and slurred stroll past the cafes and bars down some European side-street. What’s the Rush re-assesses the situation immensely and redirects your mood towards the electronic rock club on the other side of town. The energy of this one is brilliant. Ghosts follows and further highlights that eclecticism and creative freedom. It feels like a trip-hop classic with dashes of jazz and funk, plus that all-important, neo-classical thread. The quick-natured string section paints a compelling picture.
In addition to the vast journey upon which this album takes you, it also comes with a couple of bonus tracks – a less full sounding pair of compositions that further underline the musicianship at the heart of the project. A Playful Day (for string quartet) and The Fire Dancer (for piano solo) each work well in themselves to craft uniquely interesting story-lines around you.
It doesn’t take much thought to realise that big things lie ahead for Armonite. Their skill, drive, and creativity alone will work wonders for them, and this fresh approach to performance – this meeting of the past and the present – is likely to appeal and help push them all the more further.
Armonite is composer Paolo Fosso and violinist Jacopo Bigi. Download the album via Bandcamp. Find & follow them on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Visit their Website for more information.
