CHRIS IANUZZI “Olga in a Black Hole”

Satellite Symphonics Production & Weatnu Records, 2020

Music: Experimental Music / Symphonic Music

Website:

https://www.facebook.com/i.synthesist
https://chrisianuzzi.com/

Duration: 22:00 minutes (3 tracks)

Country: U.S.A

There is always a limit to what a certain band could experiment. But when it comes to solo artists this limit is almost non-existent. There is no specific bandwidth for them to experiment. When they do an experiment, they go all in. This holds true to any band irrespective of their genre. One of the recent albums wherein I got exposed to this boundless experimentation is Chris Ianuzzi’s latest EP “Olga in a Black Hole”.

Chris Ianuzzi is a virtuoso when it comes to symphonic compositions. His music has been widely praised by many critics. He is the proud recipient of the Clio award. In addition to that his music was selected for commercial in Japan Olympics. With this much of accolades written to his name, I was excited to see what he has in store for this 3-track EP

The EP starts with the title track that spans for around 9 minutes. Being the first track of this album, it tells a lot as to what Ianuzzi is planning on accomplishing from this release. This track was built off from a melody and included not beats. Having a strong background in symphonic composition, I was expecting him to take this route. However, I was horribly mistaken.

His second track, “Hello” is vastly different from what the title track had to offer. Instead of grounding on the melodies, this song had a strong Drum and Bass beat that was carefully carried through the entire 6 minutes through various transits. These transits give the track a trippy-off beat composition which clearly pertains to his attempts for experimentation. Transitioning from that mellow 9-minute track to this 6-minute track was unconventional, but it gives the listeners the ends of his experimentation.

His unique compositions continued as the final track of the EP, “Fork” is a bit more of an industrial track. Arguably my favourite track on this EP, the song has an industrial touch with heavy and grounded beats. This six-minute track leaves the listener wanting for more. As soon as this track ends, you’ll get the crux of Ianuzzi’s experimentation.

Starting the album with a rather melodic tone, it quickly transitions into an experimental wheelhouse with trippy song structure of “Hello”. Consequently, it comes to an end with another 6-minute track, “Fork” which is circles around the boundaries of Industrial music. This experimentation is why I consider this EP to be an emphatic release.

This EP would remain one of the cornerstones of his career. The point where he started experimenting with something unconventional and complex! Here’s what Ianuzzi had to say about the album prior to its release:

“I have started something different for myself.  Feels like a return to my roots in Electronic music. I had ventured to making song related music and now I am freeing myself of that structure and headed towards something new”

Hopefully, his solo career would put an end to the formulaic and stagnant electronic music industry. A much-needed album on a much needed time. The only problem is that, this album wouldn’t be everyone’s favorite. But definitely is worth checking out for his dedicated songwriting!

Tracklist:

1. Olga in a Black Hole
2. Hello
3. Fork

Line-up:

Chris Ianuzzi -Synthesizers, Electronics

Rate: 8.5/10