Album Review: His Electro Blue Voice’s rebellious debut

Junette Reyes/Staff Writer

Released: August 20, 2013

His Electro Blue Voice, an Italian trio made up of frontman Francesco Mariani, bassist Claudia Manili and drummer Andrea Napoli, debuted back in August with what is undoubtedly a bold intro into the music industry.

This not just because of the loud and chaotic nature of the album, but also because of the raunchy title, “Ruthless Sperm.”

It is extremely fitting, though, because the band is shamelessly ruthless to the ears of their listeners, but in a good way.

“Death Climb” starts off the short album that is only seven tracks long. Mariani immediately gets into your face with nonsensical lyrics while bandmates Manili and Napoli drag the same pounding loop until about the 1:36 minute mark. From there, it only gets noisier to the point that it is no longer music, and instead just a mess of sounds.

“Spit Dirt,” the longest song of the album reaching the eight minute mark, follows as the second track with more of an upbeat, drum rhythm. The sound is still very much distorted and probably just as aggressive, if not more.

There is a break around the 3:22 minute mark, as the instrumentals tone it down a notch into yet another loop that is dragged to the end. Only the guitar switches things up every now and then. It also helps that Mariani isn’t constantly screaming into your ears for the remainder of the song.

The rest of “Ruthless Sperm” alternates between states of tense, up-tempo instrumentals accompanied by excessively aggressive vocals, as well as somewhat more relaxed, surprisingly melodic instrumentals.

Practically every song on “Ruthless Sperm” is noteworthy, but the most impressive from the seven tracks is unquestionably, “The Path.” It is one of the really great, upbeat tracks that breaks down very nicely, with a guitar melody towards the end that is sometimes moody enough to be a tad reminiscent of Joy Division. The influence on the guitar can actually be heard throughout. Another decent example of this can be found in “Born Tired,” the second-to-last track.

The final track, “Red Earth,” is also somewhat noteworthy, but that’s only because it serves as a reliever from all the wonderful torture you’ve put your ears through.

Overall, His Electro Blue Voice has quite the rebellious debut. And if you don’t mind having your gut busted, your face melted and your brain fried by the end of the album, then definitely give this one a chance.

junette.reyes@fiusm.com