Bruto Minore
Black Candy, 2019
9/10
A record spearheaded by Bruno Dorella, this version of Ronin brings in Nicola Manzan on guitar plus violin, Roberto Villa on bass and clarinet, and finally Alessandro Vagnoni behind the drum kit. Together, the ensemble product very intriguing instrumental music that’s poetic and unpredictable in all the best ways.
The unassuming album leads with “Capriccio”, where softly plucked strings start the affair, though it abruptly breaks into charged, alt-rock territory that’s still orchestrally influenced, and this creativity continues to the fluid “Oregon”, where a healthy amount of rhythm enters the post-rock meets indie-rock setting.
Further on, “Bruto Minore” benefits greatly from acrobatic drumming that’s so intense it hardly seems human, while “Scherzo” twinkles with math-rock like qualities in the propulsive and cinematic stand out tune.
Deep in the listen, “Wicked” trims the pace back with its laid back approach as woodwinds enter the equation, and “Bryson” exits the listen with listen with a meditative quality as light percussion complements the dynamic atmosphere.
A more classically influenced version of the Ronin sound, Dorella’s new band is nothing short of exceptionally talented, as this fascinating record is as spellbinding as its cover art.
Travels well with: Laguerre/Noetinger- DnT; Coddiwomple- The WALK And Other Stories