Alive
T3, 2023
10/10
An artist whose roots are based in Milan and London, Charlie Risso’s melancholic brand of dream-pop weaves in and out of globally friendly textures across these 10 lush songs.
The title track opens the listen with Risso’s distinct and absorbing voice alongside strong attention to atmosphere and a soft buzzing that builds into a stylish version of modern pop, and “The Wolf” follows with a duet that recruits Hugo Race’s deep pipes for the layered, soulful song craft.
The middle spot belongs to the stirring intimacy of “The Bench”, where the bright melodies and hazy approach is much appreciated, while “By The Lake” leads with a mysterious ambience before the surreal songwriting enters amid Risso’s expressive singing.
Residing near the end, “Keep The Distance” illustrates a diverse range from Risso amid the mesmerizing keys, and “Time” leads with both beauty and mystery from a cultured angle of focused and reflective artistry.
This is Risso’s 3rd studio album, and like everything she’s done, it’s aglow in thoughtful, creative song craft that’s cinematic and blends folk, soul and blues in a way that points towards the work of David Lynch, which only adds more appeal to the listen.
Travels well with: Izzy And The Black Trees- Revolution Comes In Waves; Alessandro Incorvaia- It Emerged To Hold Me