Alto//Piano cover

Alto//Piano

Released

A bit like Tom Zé or a differently freaked Sebadoh? Everest Magma is a force in the Italian underground, ten years into a streak of thrilling records. Alto//Piano has a Harry Smith vibe, like he sang his heart out while making a bespoke gnostic cowbell mobile to ward off distemper. Then, Magma turns around to bang on a set of thin weathervanes suspended in tanks of olive oil while reciting hymns to his own private god, a guitar covered in wax and contact mics that cures blindness. The feel of the homemade is strong here, as is a relish for the process of making and editing sounds. There are not always vocals but everything sings.

Sasha Frere-Jones

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