SCINTILLA

Scintilla is the 6th album by Italian alternative band Nosound. The way I got into Nosound was a bit random. I was in a record shop and came across a Kscope records section. I knew of the likes of Steven Wilson and Blackfield were attached to this label. Then "LightDark" came across my eye which was Nosound's second album. I had never heard of them but it had nice packaging and I figured if it was they were on the same label as Steven Wilson they must be doing something right so I bought it. I instantly liked it and all of a sudden I was buying Nosound's discography including this album "Scintilla".

Nosound is the brain child of front man, Giancarlo Erra. During earlier albums it was just him. But as Nosound grew in popularity and the demand came for live performances, the band formed and would also appear on records to this date as well as in live performances. I think one thing the band would hate is to be pigeon holed into a genre. I've seen various musical outlets do this, coming under prog rock, alternative rock, post rock, electronic, ambient and probably many more. In particular I would struggle to call this prog rock or post rock. Prog rock would put them in a category with the likes of Porcupine Tree and Yes etc. This doesn't really have the same feel to it as to me rock means you are rocking and this is to me is not a rock record. Also the song lengths are shorter with only 3 out of the 10 songs on this album over 6 minutes. I would say for a band to be considered prog 50% of the songs or over need to be over 6 minutes. I realise some folk may argue that prog is not just about length but being progressive in terms of being different to what is out there. But I disagree with that. To me that is experimental rock. And then Post rock to me is purely instrumental music with guitars. This record has got singing on every song so I wouldn't put them in this category either.

The category I would put them in, which I don't think is really even an offical genre is ambient music. Scintilla really is a nice listen. I wouldn't put this on through the headphones as I'm going to work as I need something more hard hitting and catchy. But see when I am just chilling out at home or even working in the house. This record is excellent for it. Erra's vocals are just so soothing and relaxing. For example on Sogno E Incendio, he actually sings in Italian for the only time on the album. I often find with artists that I find it difficult to connect with a song if it's in a different language even if I don't have a connection with the lyrics. But it's the mesmorising vocals that do it for me. Another highlight of this track is the majestic guitar work which is so pure sounding.

I think it's the use of various instruments that really set Nosound apart from other bands and keep them interesting. The violins used on the likes of "Last Lunch", "Little man" and "Emily" especially are superb and its nice to see a band using this instrument so prominantly on these tracks. It gives them an extra dimension to their music and makes the album more deeply layered. As well as violins and the obvious guitars, they also use keyboards. I think the best use of this and my favourite track on the album, is album closer and title track "Scintilla". The keyboards are used throughout and come to life about half way through the 6 minute track and along with what sounds like a trumpet builds upto a climax for an absolutley wonderful finish to an album.

Overall this is a well put together album from start to finish. There is a mixture of short and long tracks which are mixed up to make the album flow well. I have emphasised the different use of instruments on this album which all come to the foreground at different points to really make this album come alive and means at no point are you thinking that track was the same as the last track. Having listened to many of Nosound's albums now, they all seem to be of a very high standard and this one is no exception.