A Bridge Between Us is a compelling album from Rekombinant, the project of Italian composer and producer Alfonso Montagnese. A tale of two riveting halves, the first (“Ethereal”) provides an ambient-focused direction — embracing spacious soundscapes and subdued piano, largely absent of rhythms. Conversely, the album’s second half — entitled “Concrete” — embraces rhythmic elements, while citing being influenced by “cinematic and Bristolian sounds.”
The release is an impressive showcase in collaboration, as well. Most of the tracks feature a talented artist or two, in addition to Montagnese. “A Vivid Recollection of Past Emotions” is among the highlights, featuring Giovanni Battagliola and Francesca Pizzo. The vocals find a striking balance between spoken-word and singing, adorned alongside futuristic-sounding key pulsations and chilling ambience. “A familiar sentence, that carried me somewhere,” the vocals let out, crafting an otherworldly intrigue.
From the sea-set intrigue of “Imaginary Journeys” to the gentle piano-driven “A Glimpse of Youth,” the first half thoroughly compels. The second half continues that entrancement, injecting rhythmic charm amidst nocturnal glimmers like “Dark Knight” and “Sometimes It Happens,” a charming and romantic-feeling appealer with mellow key glistening and soaring guitar tones. A Bridge Between Us is a delight of a listening experience from Rekombinant and collaborators.
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“Wrong Direction” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Obscure Ambient.
