Detailed Reviews [Alberto Nemo / Claudio Milano / Niccolo Clemente - 2024 - "Frattura, Comparsa, Dissolvenza"]

Prolusion. Italian composer and vocalist Claudio Milano have been quite the productive artist over the last couple o decades, with a number of solo albums, band projects and collaborations to his name during those years. Many of which I have been fortunate enough to get the chance to write about. 2024 is among his more productive years it would appear, where he has been a major part of three full length productions so far this year. The self-released production "Frattura Comparsa Dissolvenza" is the most recent of these, a collaboration between Milano and fellow Italian artists Nemo and Clemente which was released in the fall of 2024.

Analysis. Whatever venture that Milano spearhead or is a part of does have a tendency to cover landscapes that are fairly challenging constructions. Experimental creations with off kilter characteristics and boundary breaking and breeching tendencies is a bit of a speciality for this artist, material that may have a bit more of a niche appeal and perhaps not the topmost choice of music for whatever FM radio station you prefer to tune in to. While that may be the case, at least to some extent, also for the landscapes explored on this production, this is also among the more broadly appealing albums I have heard Milano contribute to. First and foremost due to the three songs that are written by Milano's collaborators. On these compositions we get a more minimalist landscape to enjoy, where a subtly dramatic and slow moving piano motif is paired off with excellent vocals. On some of these songs with a more conventional delivery, albeit a very impressive one at that, in one of them with a more expressive attitude in place too. With some careful effects that I presume are made at least in part by electronic means. All of them are impressive displays though, and the shorter songs that open and conclude this album in particular should be joyful and compelling songs to listen to for everyone with a taste and an affection for quality compositions that revolve around the piano and high quality vocals. Minimalist in nature and most impressive in execution if you like. But in between these escapades we have Milano's own composition 'Dissolvenza', clocking in at just below the nineteen-minute mark. Here Milano in particular gets to showcase his abilities as a singer, vocalist and voice artist very well indeed, backed by a still minimalist but also more experimental electronic soundscape. This is a landscape, or possibly landscapes is a better description, that are defined by dark and mysterious sound tendrils with drones, noise effects and floating tones making a suitably unnerving foundation for Milano's voice to play upon. A striking, compelling and alluring creation all the way through, but presumably also with much more of a niche appeal than the compositions that surround it. But also a bountiful landscape for vocalists to play with and play upon.

Conclusion. The landscapes explored by Claudio Milano and his collaborators may not always adhere to the core principles of the progressive rock tradition, but as far as being an experimental creator goes that makes use of a progressive spirit in his endeavours Milano will always deliver the goods. In this case we get an album that probably takes a few steps away from the progressive rock landscapes as such, but those who enjoy quality vocals with some expressive tendencies backed by the piano and occasional careful electronics will get 24 minutes of splendid music to enjoy here, while those who enjoy more expressive high quality vocals backed by experimental, dark and minimalist electronics will get 19 minutes of alluring darkness to be charmed by. For those with a taste and affection for both sets of music, this album should, of course, be considered as something of a must-buy. A magnificent album on just about all levels.

Progmessor: October 2024
The Rating Room