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

The latest release featuring Claudio Milano finds him again working with electronic artist Borda (Teo Ravelli) plus two pianists/electronic artists, Niccolo Clemente and Alberto Nemo. In English, the title means "Fracture/Appearance/Fade" and it is worth understanding the concept behind this, which is that it is a "musical and scenic action on a text by Niccolo Clemente aka Whale, which stands outside space and time, creating a world of its own, liturgical, cathartic, therapeutic, 'other'. It places conscious man at the centre of a sonic display without latitude or time (Western and Eastern modes, ancient and contemporary), without any pretence of clamour." Given there is also a statement that the value of history "has lost the value of spirituality and a consciousness of the Jungian archetype in order to overcome its own limit" we can also state this is not a 'normal' release. However, I firmly believe that anything involving Milano can never be considered 'normal' given the way his vocals are so far removed from what we normally expect to hear. I do not understand Italian, so have no idea what is going on with the lyrics (which even in a foreign language appear incredibly deep and complex), but that is sometimes I never worry about when listening to Milano as he is always way more than "just" a singer. He is a true experimentalist, using vocal gymnastics as he brings to bear many different classical styles from baroque through operatic to display a stunning range where he produces intense emotions just by the sound of his voice, going from growls through to falsetto with ease. It feels as if we are in a cathedral, with incredible echo, resonance, and passion as each instrumentalist allows Claudio to take centre stage and provides nuances and support when there is a need, but often all we hear are the vocals which take over everything. This is music which is to be played on headphones and will be admired as much into more classical forms of music as to those into progressive, but always with the knowledge that this is challenging and not for all, even if they enjoy those genres. His vocals are an instrument, probably more so than any other singer I have come across, and as I keep saying, he is a true master of his craft, seemingly at home with every style and emotion he is asked to portray. Listening to him sing is an experience, something once heard will never be forgotten, and while this will certainly not be for everyone, for those who enjoy their music to be challenging then slap on the headphones and be prepared to be taken on an intense journey of pain and pleasure.