Since 1992 DJ Giacomo Elettrodo has hosted experimental music programs on Rome’s Radio Onda Rossa, an alternative, non-commercial radio station that first went on the air in 1977 and today reaches an international audience via the web. With his programming choices DJ Elettrodo has been a discerning supporter of electronic and other experimental sound artists in Italy and elsewhere. Now, these artists are here to support him with this benefit compilation, all proceeds of which will go to Radio Onda Rossa, which runs entirely on listener support. The compilation was initiated and curated by bassist and sound artist Cristiano Bocci. (Full disclosure: Cris is a collaborator and friend of long standing.)
The album’s generous collection of forty-one tracks represents a number of the artists whose music has appeared on DJ Elettrodo’s radio shows. The tracks range from 1:12 to 8:47 and provide a good cross-section of some of the electronic music being made by contemporary Italian and other artists. Highlights include Laurogeigarren aro berria, a piano-based, rhythmic piece by Bocci, Mara Lepore, and Smiltzo; Maja Maiore and Loo(p)cy’s Cantami, O musa! for processed voice and electronics; the harsh, post-industrial soundscape of Sonologyst’s wryly titled Short piece for hairdryers and insects; Michael Bonaventure’s miniature cosmic epic OGRAL; progettosonoro’s expansive Cosmic Disorder; and Black/Lava’s voice-and-pulse work Venera. This is just a personal selection; anyone with an interest in current electronic music is certain to find something to like here.
Daniel Barbiero
Avant Music News 