Milan based Italian rockers, Monteceneri, release their captivating EP Due revealing another fascinating look at contemporary European rock music.

Release Date: January 24th 2025

Label: Lady Lovely Label

Format: CD / Digital

MONTECENERI

Born in Milan’s underground passages just prior to the global lockdown, Monteceneri have clearly been influenced by their unique locale. More than that, they have the clear sonic inspiration of Pink Floyd in creating Vangelis / Zimmer style soundtracks.

Electronic wizardry by the latter may pair them with cosmic dystopian textures but Moneceneri’s music are far from gloomy. The four tracks have enough variety to ward off ‘same old same old’ criticism. The amazing sounds performed on basic guitar, drum and bass instrumentation, apparently without a synthesiser in sight, is great (but the listening experience suggests there was some electronic enhancement somewhere).

With almost 99% dedicated to instrumentation, what is included lyrically is spoken in Italian. Translation isn’t necessary as the vocal delivery offer enough clues to pick up on the mood.

A brief slowed down One Of These Days style opening reveals the Floyd influence in Call Of The Void before the cosmic effects swirl and meander, growling staccato chords follow with powerful bass. The immersive sound pulls you towards a shimmering conclusion which reflects the watery scene in the tune.

A FASCINATING LISTEN

Paul’s Holy Land is punchier and initially more metallic but it subdues to twinkling melodies which builds to a chiming crescendo before climbing to a pacy mixture of sounds. These ever changing textures and layers make this a a fascinating listen.

Multiple changes in dynamics and tempo continue in Palm Hero with some Italian spoken words sandwiched in the middle. Sadly incomprehensible to me yet my friend Donato informs me that the gist of the message is related to the Italian people’s concern over equality in connection to the European immigration issues.

Light and heavy dramatic touches fluctuate regularly in the final track PSKNSS creating eerie empty abandoned images of some far distant land completing this approximately 30 minute collection of sounds. So much is packed into the four tracks you do not feel left short. By the time it builds to a crescendo it drastically fades leaving you sonically fulfilled.

Hopefully the current line up of guitarist Victor Untila, drummer Simone Chiodini and Markus Sotto Corona on bass will build on this EP to bring us a full blown album.

Here’s the video for Call Of The Void.

MAREC, creator of the music video comments: “This is not the first time I have collaborated with the Monteceneri. Their songs, characterized by long and deep tempos, offer me the opportunity to explore and create small short films that turn into real musical journeys.”

Monteceneri: Bandcamp / Facebook / Instagram

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