Building on foundations of multi-layered full-spectrum drones & loops, the music of Polmo Polpo is distinguished by slide guitar motifs that are more naive pop pastoral than spaghetti western. Opening track "Romeo Heart" builds inexorably from silence to jet-engine pink noise squall, coaxed along by descending bass & guitar lines - an excellent introduction to a record that gains in emotional resonance & structural complexity with every song. "Requiem For A Fox" introduces the techno-inflected, underwater heartbeat pulse that marks much of Sandro's earlier work, with whirring ring tones, detuned filters & a sardonic melody gradually giving way to the jauntier acoustic guitar groove & exuberant slide solo at song's end. "Farewell" is a darker interlude rounding out Side One, based on bowed bass, cello & timpani-sized drum samples.
"Sky Histoire" has the most overt rhythmic foundation of any Polmo Polpo track to date, anchored by brilliant interweaving bass & string lines while leaving plenty of room for guitars & keyboards to soar. The juxtaposition of melodic figures as the song hits maximum density is glorious, fittingly giving way to a reprise complete with celebratory bells & chimes. The title track & album finale features Gen from Hangedup, looping & weaving her string work into a verdant organic landscape of squeaks, skronks & moans while accordion sways over top: a gorgeous display of sonic fauvism to close the record.
Polmo Polpo has crafted a subtle, enveloping, kaleidoscopic instrumental pop record, brimming & bursting like hearts swelling. Thanks for listening.