Alessandro Parisi :: Draconia (Lux Rec)

An analogue rich album of engaging sound scenarios, one supported by the mechanics of House music. Brooding harmonies for a dark, organic and lucid piece of electronics.

After a host of 12”s, Switzerland’s Lux Rec have decided to take the next step; an LP. Instead of a member from their extensive discography, Lux have chosen the little known Alessandro Parisi for a double LP release. Parisi has a humble back catalog, a track and remix here or there. But don’t let this fool, the Italian artist has delivered something special with Draconia.

Synthesizer arcs and tortured pulses open for a work of Ambient Electro before the rumbling soundtrack styles commence. “Alpha Draconis Realm” takes elements of House the TR-707 for example, and slows them down. Beaming chords are introduced to create a dancefloor John Carpenter feel. “Winged Adra Bloodline Army” keeps that same considered pace, Electro panging lines circling for a track very reminiscent of Legowelt’s cinematic pieces. “Nagarian Hyperspace Cruiser” ups the energy with slicing snares cutting through heady analogue melodies for a missile attack track. Parisi balances his retrospective style, one undeniably inspired by movie scorers like Vangelis, with a thoughtful dancefloor quality. “Silent Warrior” slowly builds, samples and a tapered rhythm melting into a staggering arpeggio. Lilting melodies hang and dive into a colony of complementary chords. “Fall of Draconia” leads out in fine fashion. A beatless disintegration into a neon light city of towering proportions.

Lux have focussed on House for much of their life, with Murphy Jax and his soundtrack scapes being the exception. Parisi bridges these two worlds. This isn’t a Chicago or revivalist House record, far from it. This is an analogue rich album of engaging sound scenarios, one supported by the mechanics of House music. Yet mechanical is one thing this LP is not. Brooding harmonies for a dark, organic and lucid piece of electronics.

Draconia is available on Lux Rec. [Release page]