JOURNEY TO DEVOTION

Italian outfit ORCHESTRA PANICA started its journey towards releasing its debut album back in 2007, and during the next two years its main men Vicenzi and Agostoni were busy recording material alongside a multitude of guests in this self-described independent musical collective. The end result was named "Journey to Devotion", and was picked up and released by Lizard Records in 2010.

Orchestra Panica have crafted a debut disc that would appear to be wedged in between ambient music and art rock in style: laidback, slow and gentle in arrangements but also incorporating a subtle few details of a more challenging scope. I'd guess that a core audience for this band would be those who enjoy art rock just as much as typical new age music. At least for some of those getting introduced to "Journey to Devotion" will feel like a match made in heaven.

It may be saying something that the worst criticism I can give to this album is that the band's name doesn't match their sound. With a name like Orchestra Panica, I would expect a lot more chaos in the sound. This is more like Orchestra Placido.

Each track begins with minimalistic looped rhythms, with the music building very very slowly to a crescendo. On two tracks the crescendos reach an energetic peak, but for the most part, it builds from the opening, but the intensity does not increase much.

However, the effect is mesmerizing. Particularly, the guitar solos can just carry you away. I also enjoy the subtle trumpet playing of Michele Falotico. It is reminiscent of Chris Botti's playing with Bruford & Levin's Upper Extremities (before he became a pop classical darling).