1983-1988 gives a wide cross section of a group of Italian synth wave pioneers. Novostj adapted and adopted from the influences swirling around them, DsorDNE hardened that vision through greater experimentation as new machines developed. A wonderful introduction to an outfit whose music continues to challenge with its defiant cry.
Britain is generally credited with the rise of synth wave. Bands like Depeche Mode, OMD and The Human League broke the pop mould, employing freshly manufactured machines and openly commenting on the economic, political and social issues of the day. Despite the deserved fame of the above, other countries, and musicians, were also at the coalface of the avant-garde of this exciting period.
Novostj formed in the early 1980s. Roberta and Massimo Ongaro, Danilo Beltrame and Marco Milanesio. The partnership soon began recording their own brand of introverted electronics, utilising the new equipment coming out of their Italian homeland alongside more traditional instruments. Between 1983 and 1984 they recorded a number of tracks in Turin’s Terminal Bliss, four of which have been selected by ACC founder and ResonanceFM broadcaster Flora Pitrolo alongside original band member Marco Milanesio.
“Voce Di Edifici Vuoti” introduces the compilation. Reduced down to its raw core, refracted beats chug and scratch against an extended wall of bass with melodies skulking behind. “Nel Vuoto” follows. The heartwrenching distance of a Novostj contemporary, Vitrola, is immediately called to mind by this deeply emotive track. Clean percussion and broad guitar strings support distressed vocals in this seven minute romance laden lament. Experimentation is never far away with this collection, industrial distortion and haze filming the unsettling “La Voce” before the torturing shrieks of “Non Credi, Non Credi.”
Flip over and the group have transformed into another beast, DsorDNE. This expanded outfit were far more prolific than their first incarnation with the group still releasing music to date. The songs chosen for 1983-1988 were made between ’87 and ’88. Their self-titled “DsorDNE (Versione Dal Vivo)” is wonderfully daring. Shaped as a piece of darkened wave, the musical journey suddenly veers off road as cymbals crash, drum machines splinter and vocals spiral wildly. “Trsisti Di Rabbia” is cut from the same sombre and soulful cloth of “Nel Vuoto.” Lyrics and synthlines cry to a stern rhythm in a work that is sensitive and extremely subtle. As with their first musical musings, the desire to toy with expectations and preconceptions is present. “Al Contrario” finishes and does so with psychological intent. Spoken word is accompanied by electronic pulsations in this estranging minimal synth close.
1983-1988 gives a wide cross section of a group of Italian synth wave pioneers. Novostj adapted and adopted from the influences swirling around them, DsorDNE hardened that vision through greater experimentation as new machines developed. A wonderful introduction to an outfit whose music continues to challenge with its defiant cry.
1983-1988 is available A Colder Consciousness/ACC.
