Warm, almost soothing, soundscapes are juxtaposed by arctic chills and clinical sounds.
For more than seven years I’ve been covering the works of Minimal Rome. At the core of this vanguard of Italian electronics is Valerio Lombardozzi (aka Heinrich Dressel). After recent releases for Bordello A Parigi, Mannequin and his latest split album with Francesco Clemente Dressel is behind the synths again. This time the Roman is off to The Netherlands to hook up with Frustrated Funk for Waterproof Theory.
Movie scores have always been an influence in the Dressel sound and “Vocal Intro” is straight from the Arp rich soundtracks of the 70s. Soaring chords swoop and dive, ghostly forms ascending into the heavens. The reduced notes of the title piece follow. Bars are, well, bared, stripped down mechanics for a cold machine investigation. Emotion floods the flip. “Dazzling Tiber” is a dappled track, shades of sound misting, fading and surging in late evening light. But the lights are lowered on Roma, darkness descends and with it the stark and shadowed world of “In The Mouth Of Symmetry.” Full moons and frost envelope Rome as night takes hold.
Waterproof Theory is a synopsis of Lombardozzi’s analogue abilities and technical talent. Warm, almost soothing, soundscapes are juxtaposed by arctic chills and clinical sounds. Electronic excellence from the heart of Italy.
Waterproof Theory is available on Frustrated Funk. [Clone]
