Volevo Andare Altrove by Arianuova is a debut that feels like a pilgrimage—an RPI concept album about the human urge to "go elsewhere," balancing classical gravitas with modern textures. It's symphonic, narrative driven, and ambitious, with a 15 minute centerpiece that anchors the journey. Arianuova is the creation of Daniele Olia (guitars, keyboards, lute, vocals), joined by Massimo Zanon (vocals), Michele Spinoni (guitar), and Luca Bonomi (drums). The band's sound is firmly rooted in Rock Progressivo Italiano, but Olia's background in Qirsh brings a modern edge. There's a quiet, almost resigned pull to Volevo Andare Altrove that reveals itself slowly. Arianuova aren't interested in dramatic reinvention or grand statements; instead, this album feels like a document of inward motion—of wanting to leave, but never quite doing so. This is an album that lives in the margins, drawing its power from understatement and emotional restraint rather than obvious peaks. The performances are notably economical. Vocals sit low in the mix, often delivered in a half-spoken, half-sung register that feels more confessional than performative. There's a fragility here that never tips into self-pity, supported by instrumentation that favours clean lines and careful pacing. Guitars shimmer lightly without asserting themselves, keys and synths provide soft harmonic beds, and rhythm sections move with an almost hesitant precision. Every part seems to know exactly when not to play. Production choices reinforce this sense of distance and introspection. The sound is clear but never glossy, with a slightly muted tonal palette that suits the album's emotional temperature. Reverb is used sparingly, allowing songs to breathe without drifting into abstraction. The mix keeps everything close enough to feel personal, yet just far enough away to maintain a sense of emotional reserve—like watching someone think rather than listening to them speak. Structurally, the album leans on repetition and gradual variation rather than overt development. Chord sequences loop with minor shifts in texture or emphasis, mirroring the lyrical themes of restlessness and deferred escape. Rhythm is steady but rarely assertive, creating a sense of forward motion that feels more like endurance than momentum. Harmonically, Arianuova favour melancholic progressions that avoid clear resolution, leaving emotional questions gently unanswered. Ultimately, this is an album that doesn't demand your attention—it waits for it. Volevo Andare Altrove unfolds best when approached patiently, allowing its subtle shifts and emotional undercurrents to surface in their own time. It's a quietly affecting listen, defined by what it withholds as much as by what it reveals. This is classic RPI with a modern twist: Arianuova embrace tradition (lute, symphonic structures) while daring to incorporate English lyrics and contemporary textures. The album's title is apt: it's about movement, transformation, and the restless spirit of prog itself. This disc is narrative driven, structurally ambitious, and steeped in Italian prog heritage. ***+ David Carswell Where to buy? |
