Inframundis by ANTONIO TESTA
Italian sound-sculptor Antonio Testa creates a series of sonic environments that are often suggestive of found sound or musical representations of wondrous places. The listener is inclined to envision the musician working in low light somewhere below ground in harmony with his space, each taking equal part: artist and expanse. Softly clanging chimes are scattered against bird song and water movement, a low drone even and measured permeating everything. Meditative evolving strains are rippled by unidentifiable sonorous percussives, almost rhythmic. Reverberating fluids, spills and streams run across smooth synthetic textures. Turbulence gently heaves whilst a soft female voice speaks. We even get to hear Rahien Testa's first cry on the opening eponymous track. The impression is one of timelessness; ancient simplicity against contemporary clarity. The gear list includes stalagmites and field recordings as well as contributions from fellow musicians Alio Die (samples, textures, drones, soundscapes from Thailand), Susana Beatriz Alvear and Maurizio Dall'olio (voice), Daniela Risser (crystal bowls) and others.INFRAMUNDIS, meaning inland "universe" in Latin, is the latest in a considerable discography from percussionist Antonio Testa. Antonio's website points out that he "specializes in organic sound and the creation of musical atmospheres through the use of a vast array of mostly native and shamanic instruments, together with his own creations made from organic and recycled materials". This interest is clearly evident on this recording, which is primarily a musical research into stalagmite and stalactite sounds mixed with textures and drones. Stefano Musso shares in four of the ten recordings. INFRAMUNDIS is surely an album that will appeal to fans of Alio Die. Very meditative and evocative, this CD is one for experimental sound lovers looking for something with an exotic edge, or cavern music without the cold isolationist tone employed by other subterranean explorations.
Steve Roach
Tracklist
| 1. | Rahien | 7:40 |
| 2. | Xibalba | 5:46 |
| 3. | Inframundis | 8:22 |
| 4. | Moon | 5:30 |
| 5. | Natural Stones | 5:16 |
| 6. | Pachamama | 6:32 |
| 7. | Celestium | 8:09 |
| 8. | The Cave | 4:32 |
| 9. | Asmaghiti | 3:29 |
| 10. | Stalagmite | 10:24 |
Credits
Written, produced, composed,recorded, editing and mixed by A.Testa
A.Testa: Percussion, Flute, Stalagmites,Synths,Texture and Drones, Field recordings from Italy.
On Tracks 1-2-4-7 Stefano Musso "Alio Die" Samples, Textures and Drones, Soundscape from Thailand, mixed at Lunae studio.
On track 1 Rahièn Testa first cry 1997.
On track 6 S.B. Alvear voice, Vincenzo Morgillo poetry.
On track 8 Daniela Risser Crystal bowls.
On track 9 Lupo Pasini Synths. Maurizio Dall'olio Dobaci and voice.
Recorded and mixed by A.Testa at Tribe studio Milan, Italy © SIAE Italy.
Mastered by Andrey Faryus.
Cover photo by Enrico Labriola allother photo by Andrey Faryus.
Artwork by Sara Luciani.
ExperimenTribe Records 2007
License
All rights reserved.Tags
Antonio Testa specialises in organic sound and the creation of musical atmospheres through the use of a vast array of mostly native and shamanic instruments, together with his own creations made from organic and recycled materials.
Has been active in music since early 80’s working as a percussionist specialising in tribal and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, etno-ambient and world music.