| | Full Review | Ratings (24) |
Give your Rating |
| 4.0 excellent | SinNanna | December 11th 20 |
Even though I'm aware of the Ilian Tape label through Skee Mask's work, this debut album of Italian producer Andrea (who has also been releasing a string of EP's on the label since 2012) nearly flew under my radar, and I'm glad it didn't. Sonically this record follows a pretty similar blueprint of ambient techno that Skee Mask does, but there is a heavier lean towards atmospheric drum and bass and breakbeat, with some dubby influences here and there as well. If you're familiar enough with 90's IDM releases like those on Warp Records or just ambient techno and atmospheric drum and bass in general, this album won't blow you away necessarily as it is by no means unique in the way Andrea executes these tracks. However, not unique does not mean that they aren't tasteful or don't come from a passionate place, as it's very clear to me Andrea is quite the student of the styles of electronic music that he incorporates in his work. If you're obsessed with the kind of music from the era this record draws so heavily from or just in general want to hear an electronic record that has a very relaxing, melancholic atmosphere with lots of detailed, driving and danceable rhythms, than this is definitely worth checking out. My complaints generally towards this release is that I think some tracks tend to meander a little bit longer then they need to be, and some do pale in comparison to others in terms of being as colorfully produced or memorable. Still, a solid record with very little in the way of an actual dud in its tracklisting.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | Gene Gol-Jonsson CONTRIBUTOR | October 30th 20 |
Andrea, a mysterious techno producer, made a near hour of music that cleverly balances between techno and a plethora of other adjacent styles and influences. There are elements of dub, some industrial moments, ambient sections, dance floor oriented pieces and a variety of club varieties. All of it creates something riveting, although often a wee bit shapeless. Individual tracks don't always stick well, some more straightforward or ambient cuts are not memorable and the influences often only become clear upon further deeper examination, as the songs following one another can often blend into one wave of indistinguishable sound. It is unfortunate, but after 50-something minutes of vaguely chill sleepy atmosphere, the album can be a bit of a slog. But its highlights, the more upbeat, technically dense pieces are well worth your time and make up for all the more sour moments.
Bump |
| 3.5 great | Polvo | April 7th 23 |
| 4.0 excellent | Oobaloo | March 29th 23 |
| 4.0 excellent | bmelt CONTRIBUTOR | March 9th 23 |
| 4.0 excellent | TwigTW | January 6th 21 |
| 4.0 excellent | Yotimi | September 6th 20 |
| 4.0 excellent | Ryus | August 11th 20 |
| 4.0 excellent | Medonie | June 14th 20 |
| 3.5 great | Wolfe | May 27th 20 |
| |
Give Your Opinion on Ritorno
|
