Cristiano Varisco - 2014 - Trilhas Sonoras Para Filmes Imaginarios

(46:47; Viajandao Records)

Some years back I reviewed Cristiano’s 2013 album, ‘Aline’, and now I have the next two he released as well. ‘Soundtrack for Imaginary Films’ was released in 2014, with the same core line-up as previously, with Cristiano providing guitars and he is joined by Jefferson Ferreira on bass and Davi Machado on drums. As with ‘Aline’, there are a large number of tracks at 15, and a running time of just 47 minutes, but yet again this does not feel at all fragmented but works very well together as a whole. Again there are a few spoken vocals, but whereas ‘Aline’ felt very much as if it belonged to South America, this time around it is much harder to define a country of origin as there is far less of a Latin feel on most of the material, although it is very to the fore on “Noltes Urbanas”, as the music again movers through multiple styles from folk all the way through, psychedelic, classic rock , prog rock, and blues.

It is this variety which makes this such an interesting album, from a trio who obviously really know what they are doing and having been playing together for a long period of time. While there is just one bass, it is not unusual for there to be a few percussive tracks as well as multiple guitars, but it never feels over the top and there is plenty of space within for the listener to get inside. Cristiano has a delicate touch and there is a great deal of emotion here, with notes being played as they make sense, not just shredding to show how clever he is. The reason there are so few vocals here is that there is just no need at all, such is the completeness of the album. To me this is a massive step up from ‘Aline’ and is thoroughly enjoyable indeed. Although the debut is available through Bandcamp, I don’t think any others have his have been released in that format which is a shame as I can see this being enjoyed by many if they could try this first. Instrumental guitar-based rock from Brazil which is highly accessible and interesting.  

Kev Rowland, April 2024

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