seven

gianluigi di costanzo returns with this seven-track offering to satisfy his fans' appetite for a full length album. it can be safely said that bochum welt fits into the category of artists that also includes d'archangelo, global goon, aphex twin and the likes. it was no coincidence that he started out on rephlex with his first few releases (which are not so easy available for north american audience). originally "discovered" by richard james, gianluigi di costanzo is fascinated by fusion of technology and romanticism, expressing it on his hi-tech recordings aided by latest technological advancements in the music recording industry.

here we have "martians and spaceships"; what is the sound like? idm, if i can still use that word; moody electro beats with melancholy synths and analog elements; this work is a bit more melodic and ambient than most of his earlier material. songs are rather short, but that does not hurt the album.

"altre forme" starts things off with a vocal driven track sung in italian, a cute poppy track with retro feeling. "vega" is next, it gives us a nice piece of simple strings and synths, very basic, yet extremely emotive and powerful. ditto for "star cluster" which has some beautiful melodies over a simple beat. "interlude" is a nice track more reminiscent of his older work. "clair de lune" is the standout for me, only pianos, it is an amazing track full of emotion.

bochum welt does not attract with weird beats and craziest production tricks, opting only to use simple strings, synths and basic drum programming. this effect was probably intended, as it makes one focus on the incredible melodies that set him apart from his contemporaries and gives the band its own sound. this release is recommended for those that enjoyed richard d james work as well as anything on rephlex.