Album Review: uragano – LP1 (Self Released)

LP1 is the culmination of a journey of sonic destruction started by Italian experimental post-hardcore band uragano ten years ago. The album saw the light of day on January 25th, 2024.

Translating as hurricane, it’s an apt name that uragano go by. Offering up nine tracks of ‘post-hardcore’ infused chaos that is disconcerting and discombobulating in its delivery. They’re a band more than willing to experiment, a band that combines a mass of melody with an abrasive and uncomfortable style of heavy intensity.

All of this, and more, is present on the introductory track, INTRO EMO. Where big melodic synths combine with a strumming guitar tone, vocals are screamed out in the distance, and there’s some up-front spoken word. It immediately tells you that this album is going to challenge, but few could expect the cacophony of pandemonium that follows with CAPO DANNO and PINGUINO. Heart racing and feral, it’s hard to grip initially, especially as uragano keep things short and to the point, but with multiple listens, layers of interesting ideas are unveiled.

Again, it has to be stated, that uragano are an experimental bunch and the following INDONESIA is further proof of that. Being one of the two longest tracks, by some margin and being a track that showcases a different approach from the band. One with a slower and moodier vibe, almost alternative rock in style, at times, but with these wacky shifts, dark twists, and bursts of grubby hardcore style heaviness. This track here, might be the best example of the wildness that encapsulates uragano.

Although they have plenty more to show as DJENT 1 and DJENT 2 offer up varying degrees of abrasive noise, intensity, and melody. Before along comes NO HYPE to widen the progressive term. Delivering manic moments of outrageous post hardcore sounds and elaborate melodies. Music that is quite hard to describe, as uragano are like a toddler hopped up on sugar, unable to stay still for even a second.

It is interesting music though, and the more time spent in the company of this album, the more it enthrals. So much so, that it’s a bit sad to see it come to an end with ENCORE and FINALE. The former has some of the album’s most abrasive sounds, whereas the latter is the other long one and takes the listener on one hell of a journey. A journey fraught with heart-pounding danger, but comforting melody, none the less.

It is a wholly unique take on the ‘post-hardcore’ term overall, and that makes LP1 necessary listening.

uragano – LP1 Track Listing:

1. INTRO EMO
2. CAPO DANNO
3. PINGUINO
4. INDONESIA
5. DJENT 1
6. DJENT 2
7. NO HYPE
8. ENCORE
9. FINALE

Links

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