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ATARAXIA

Sueños
2001
CD
Cruel Moon BC-006

I've run out of superlatives to describe the grace and beauty of Ataraxia's recordings and Francesca Nicoli's distinctive and widely-ranging voice. The latest CD - their eleventh - begins with a forthright presentation of mediaeval and Renaissance songs ('Parti de mal', 'Saderaladon', 'Belle Jolande' and 'Il Bagatto') before moving on to original material. The next group of songs have a watery theme, a feature of Francesca's dreams, no doubt, and a leitmotiv of her nostalgic song writing recalling in particular one of Ataraxia's earlier CD albums, La Malediction d'Ondine. A final four songs are more mixed in theme and include 'Encrucidijada' - a fiery "gothic flamenco" which must be a first, 'The Corals of Aqaba' on which Francesca is multitracked in the upper and lower registers of her voice, and 'Nemrut Dagi', a rock opera style march providing a grand finale.

Francesca (voice, lyrics, flute, cymbal, bells), Vittorio Vandelli (classic guitar, chitarra battente, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, percussions, drums, vocals) and Giovanni Pagliari (keyboards, vocals) are joined by special guest Francesco Banchini of Gor (clarinet, traverse flute, drums, vocals). Dark but enthralling, the work of Ataraxia affirms the concept that out of suffering, a terrible beauty can be born. Detailed information about Ataraxia and MP3 samples can be found at their website, http://www.ataraxia.net. Go on, spoil yourselves.

RIK - 8 March 2001

• GOR

• ATARAXIA http://www.ataraxia.net

• COLD MEAT INDUSTRY http://www.coldmeat.se

rik@fluxeuropa.com Postal address: BM Box 4392, London, WC1N 3XX, England © FluxEuropa.com