OK, the running time is rather short, but the price is four pounds less than
a 'full length' CD. When I mentioned the short duration to Mac of BIOnighT
he said that in Italy, where he lives, that length is not uncommon for an
album. He gave the example of "La voce del padrone" by Franco
Battiato, one of the most successful records of all time there, which is
just 31.21 minutes long. So you could say it's something of a cultural
thing.
As usual with BIOnightT we start with the title track. Deep ominous pads mix
with windy effects. Out of this emerges a very nice melodic sequence and
relaxed rhythm. Another sequence is added before things steadily become more
complex. For the first three minutes it all worked rather well but then
maybe a little too much was going on. Sometimes when I listen to it, it
seems to work but then at other times there seems to be conflict between the
many layers. A fantastic really deep menacing sequence gets 'Saturdaydown'
underway and as with the previous track they through everything at it
including the kitchen sink but this time things soon steady down, chugging
along nicely on the back of a rapid sequence / rhythm combination.
This gradually becomes less cluttered leaving space for a ringing lead line
to shine. There is a pause in the sequence before another enters creating a
rather pleasant relaxed environment. Even in the fifth minute when a further
sequence comes in, combining well with some melodic pads, the beautiful mood
already created is maintained. It's an excellent track which keeps the
attention throughout. 'Snowy Park' is simply gorgeous, a more melodic
combination of sequences you couldn't possibly want with beautiful lead
detail over the top. Stunning, absolutely stunning.
'Motherwater' is another track that starts straight off with the sequences
and some excellent rhythms. The combination this time though is a dead
ringer for Klaus Schulze during his 'Drive Inn' period. A mid paced sequence
emerges from a sort of splashing explosion on 'Evolution Dawn'. Soft
ethereal pads provide a lovely backing. In the third minute lead duties are
taken by an excellent dreamy organ. This is a track which works because the
combination of sounds chosen is perfect and the temptation to over clutter
what is already a winning formula is resisted. It's a good way to finish the
album.
David Law, June 2003
(c) 2002 Sbrizzi FaBio
Electroambient Space (US)
BIOnighT
is my favorite recent discovery in electronic music. The band is a duo of
Italians who met by chance, Sbruzzi FaBIO and a man known only as Mac. I
have exchanged several emails with Mac, and it is obvious that he and FaBIO
are passionate about their music. The three CDs Egoheart, Afterpost
and Daybreak constitute what they call their “Cosmic Trilogy,”
and I think each one is fantastic, all of them highly recommended.I can’t put my finger on just what it is I like so much about these
guys, but my affection for the music was immediate on first listen, and has
only grown stronger as I listen more. By far BIOnighT’s shortest disc, Afterpost is still well
worthy of attention. The title track sneaks up on you, starting slow but
gradually layering synths and sequencing in very pleasing fashion, hitting
its stride, then steadily cascading back down into relaxed mode.
Interestingly, detailed notes from the band state that “Saturdaydown”
was representative of a dark time in BIOnighT’s history, but it seems a
rather perky number to me, shuffling along quite nicely. In a surprising
turn, the lead synth in the middle sounds almost like lounge jazz. “Snowy
Park” is very light, but before you can say “new age,” a first-class
sequence comes in that Tangerine Dream would be proud to call their own, a
delicate wonder of a track. “Motherwater” finds a groove early and just
goes with it. “Evolution Dawn” has another strong sequence and
infectious bass line, a great way to finish a CD that ends much too soon.
