aaamusic | On 17, Dec 2010

[cincopa AoFADa6gEVNl]

Rome, 11th December

Beatrice Antolini is one of the most innovative creatures of the Italian music scene. Antolini plays several instruments herself (piano, synths, drums, bass and saxophone) , is beloved by the critics and colleagues, who often invite her as guest in their projects (A Toys Orchestra, Velvet, Baustelle, Bugo).

Main artist at last year’s Moog Festival in Rome, her third album ‘Bioy’ has been released in November. It is important for me to state immediately that ‘Bioy’ is a little masterpiece, sang in English as always, produced and performed by Antolini herself and with the genius mix between acute melodies (accompanied on by her languid piano style) and moments of electro/rock experiments and unexpected punk incursions.

11^th December at Circolo degli Artisti is the occasion to watch her perform the new album live. On stage with her feature also Luca Nicolasi (bass), Federico Fantuz (guitar), Marcello Piccinini (drums) and Enrico Pasini (keyboard and trumpet).

The performance starts with Night Shd, pulsing post-wave track with obsessive rhythm, with Nicolasi bass and Antolini’s ‘Moog Prodigy’ beating the tempo.

‘Eastern Sun’ winks at latin sounds, with the aid of percussions and winds, which contrast with the electropunk refrain.

‘Piece of Moon’ is one of the jewels on the album and of the performance, where Beatrice’s vocals – while she plays percussions and timpani – reaches unbelievable sensuality peaks.

‘Mutant Sonic’ is another unpredictable gift to the audience, with funky/disco atmospheres and with the piano drawing Mediterranean melodies.

‘A new room for a quiet life’, taken from ‘A due’ (her second album), is one of her classics repertoirs, towed by a wild, dark cabaret piano; the atmosphere becomes tragic with the new track ‘Planet’, melancholy slow which she dedicates to her father.

‘Bioy’, ‘Venetian Hautboy’ and ‘Abletable’, played in the same order as they appear on the album, which confirm Antolini stylistic perfection.
‘Funky Show’ is another hit from her previous album, perfectly accompanied by the trumpet. Antolini’s vocals, despite the sore throat, are perfect and manage to get through the gig without a single fault.

The emotional ‘Paranormal’ another emotional peack is reached, while the energetic ‘We’re gonna live’ closes the show. Antolini comes back to play ‘Sugarize’ and ‘Double J’, both taken from her second album.

There isn’t much to add, her performance is just pure perfection.

Author: Luca Cirillo

Photos: Laura Penna