29 June 2011

Radio Ponsonby Record Review: Massimiliano Pagliara 'Focus For Infinity'














MASSIMILIANO PAGLIARA
Focus For Infinity
[Live At Robert Johnson]

Patience is a virtue, as they say. The Berlin-based Italian producer Massimiliano Pagliara is clearly a believer, as his debut album demands and richly rewards patient listening. It's not that Focus For Infinity is a difficult listen; quite the opposite - crystalline synths and deep, warm bass drape themselves languorously over the sub-110bpm codeine-funk chug of classic drum machines, which threaten/promise to swallow the unwitting listener whole. It's only after repeat listens the album's subtle charms slid their way properly into your ears, and Pagliara's talent for arrangement is revealed. While there are a handful of songs featuring vocalists - including standout Gonna Get Your Love Gonna Find You with Sigrid Elliott - most of the tracks are slow burning instrumentals, with snatches of manipulated vocals sometimes bubbling up amongst the lush layers of sound. This is simple, incredibly effective stuff. The perfect soundtrack for a steamy, loved-up, 4am slow motion disco.

4 stars from 5

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