Nicola Giacobbe's recent double album release, 'Tutti in Attesa' and 'Oltre Il Confine', presents a fascinating window into years of creative exploration. These collections, spanning a period from 2003 to 2017, act as a sort of personal sonic diary, pieced together from a vast array of musical sketches.
As Nicola himself explains, they are "a collection of ideas recorded from 2003 until 2017 now shuffled and condensed in two albums, a sort of diary. Inspiration came from both personal and impersonal life, classical book readings, weird and enigmatic experiences, subconscious revelations and emotions attempted to be translated in music."
Blending melodic passages with intense, unconstrained compositions, the two albums are a unique and comprehensive introduction to Nicola. His style defies easy categorisation, carving out an atmospheric space somewhere between rock and ambient.This distinct sound is immediately apparent in 'Tutti in Attesa', where tracks like 'Incontro sul ponte' showcase a progressive metal framework. The track evolves from spoken word segments and sharp riffs into a more spontaneous, distorted conclusion, all while retaining a natural, honest feel. The use of layers, shifting between dreamy reverb and powerful, cutting tones, creates a compelling sense of escapism.
The album also features the atmospheric rock of the title track, with its distant, reverb-soaked guitars creating a mellow and evocative soundscape. This track quickly draws the listener into a world of introspection, followed by the stark contrast of 'Al manicomio', a track that balances a celebratory feel with a driving, almost militant energy. Nicola’s talent lies in his ability to blend free-flowing creativity with a solid structural foundation, resulting in consistently engaging soundscapes.
'Oltre Il Confine' offers a distinctly different vibe, matching the cool, imaginative aesthetic of its blue artwork. The opening track, 'Rapimento', maintains Nicola’s signature style, but with a clearer, cleaner production. The melodies and chords are optimistic and calming, providing a gentle backdrop for a free-flowing guitar solo. This tranquil atmosphere is sharply contrasted by the explosive pop-punk energy of 'Le Ciminiere Di Pollbeg'. Nicola’s versatility is on display in full colour as he navigates a range of moods from delicate to demanding, pushing forward and constantly searching for new ground.
Among the many highlights, 'Tamerice' stands out as a prime example of Nicola’s ability to fuse emotion and skill. This soft-rock track, with its ambient layers and simple guitar riff, creates a sense of uplift, guiding the listener from darkness to light. Despite its ever-changing structure, the track maintains a sense of warmth and possibility throughout its nearly 6.5-minute duration.
Nicola Giacobbe's music is driven by a clear artistic vision and a passion for rock that transcends expectations. Both 'Tutti in Attesa' and 'Oltre Il Confine' offer a captivating journey into his unique sonic world, making them a rewarding experience for any listener seeking something truly original.
For more from Nicola, be sure to follow him on Spotify and Apple Music.
