If you’re like me, you have your favorite bands, but you read reviews to find out about what good new music is available and being produced. Well, I am constantly in search of new music, despite having a large musical collection. More years on the Earth; more CDs and albums in the case. It is the hobby which drives me to write about this wonderful genre and music in general.
Well, I found another great new band I want to share with you. They are Ardours; an Italian, alternative rock band, and their new album Anatomy of a Moment, is excellent. It was released back on 07/08/2022, on the Frontiers Music Srl, label.
Anatomy of a Moment is the band’s sophomore release, and it follows their debut album, Last Place on Earth, released in 2019. They have also recorded a “covers” EP, Eu4ria, back in2020.
The band was formed by Tristania singer, Mariangela Demurtas, and multi-instrumentalist/producer Kris Laurent. Mariangela sings vocals and Kris Laurent, plays the full complement of instruments, guitars, bass, and keyboards. Mariangela invited Tristania’s drummer/lyricist, Tarald Lie, to participate in the creation of the band’s music, and he helps complete the sound on drums, along with writing lyrics.
Ardours creates beautiful and haunting music that mixes 80s rock, progressive rock, and at times a metal sound with gothic atmospheres. Mariangela Demurtas’s vocals are unique sounding and full of energy, especially on songs like “Secret Worlds”. She sounds a little like Deborah Harry, singing in her nonchalant way, along with a good mix of Chrissy Hynde. Watch the accompanying video.
Kris Laurent is especially talented on every instrument you hear on this album. One of the best examples of the complex music he can create and perform is “Cold Revenge”. Just listen to the multiple time and beat changes and the way he mixes the lead electric guitar, bass and keyboards. All instruments get their due, and nothing is missing from the mix.
Tarald Lie is marvelous on drums, and provides the great highlights and pounding, just where it is needed on songs. Every band needs a great drummer and Ardours made a great choice here.
I enjoyed all of the tracks on the album, but my favorites were:
“Epitaph For a Spark”, “Insomniac”, “Secret Worlds”, “Given”, “Anatomy of a Moment”, “Unannounced”, (with it’s cool Rush-like guitar shredding), and the closer, “Chasing Whispers”, with its full-on guitar assault. It also contains some of Demurtas’ best vocals.
My ultimate favorite though, is the title track, “Anatomy of a Moment”, with its ruthlessly hypnotizing buzz keyboard at the opening. The drumming punctuates the song precisely. Mariangela Demurtas sings perfectly, “Finish your sentence”. Like something great you remember from the 1980s. At times Flock of Seagulls, and at others The Pretenders. A good mix, indeed. Different and unimaginable.
Get this album for a change in sound and to expand your music library. They are a good band with a bright future.
Track List:
1. Epitaph For a Spark
2. Insomniac
3. Identified
4. Secret Worlds
5. Cold Revenge
6. Given
7. Anatomy Of a Moment
8. Dead Weight
9. Unannounced
10. Chasing Whispers
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/ardoursband
https://www.instagram.com/ardoursband/
Video Links: