Anticipated in the previous months by a total of seven singles excellently received by critics worldwide, on January 17th is finally out for Dischi Sotterranei: the third album Hazy Days by VANARIN, a British-Italian band known for its extensive live activity on relevant stages, where they have performed alongside the likes of Thurston Moore, Public Image Ltd and Battles, getting international attention to the point of reaching the frequencies of the prestigious BBC, which pointed them out among the best music of the moment.
In this new record, VANARIN proves to be at the height of their expressive maturity, giving birth to a concept album where each track represents a snapshot of the current human evolution, continuously divided between moments of lucidity and disorientation, hope and disillusion, in an increasingly nebulous and challenging age, dominated as it is – for better or worse – by technology. 8 tracks that shine for elegance and compositional refinement, unraveling in an eclectic and multifaceted groove that goes beyond the boundaries of pop to land in the territories of indietronica, nu-soul and psychedelia: a unique and sophisticated crossover that, at the same time, is approachable to everyone thanks to its freshness and immediacy.
From the hypnotic and vibrant opening of Hey Listen to the irresistible A Fly On The Wall, from the black atmospheres of I Don’t Know to the futuristic charm of Falling Under, the record is pervaded by multiform and varied sounds, where the electro-funk of early Hot Chip melts with the soul-step suggestions of James Blake, while the synthetic precision of Junior Boys intersects with the lysergic rehashes of Tame Impala.
But beyond the various possible influences, Vanarin are first and foremost craftsmen of sound with a strong identity. Skillfully playing with filters, reverbs, distortions, broken and reassembled rhythms – all meticulously refined by countless details – gives life to their highly particular atmospheric and minimalist dub-step, always aiming to be captivating yet also deeply introspective. Hazy Days is in fact a sincere hymn to the transitory nature of existence and the constantly evolving relationship we share with ourselves. Just think of the conclusive and pacifying Memories, an invitation to seek one’s innermost essence through remembering who we are and the precious reasons why we have a necessary and exclusive place in the world.
VANARIN’s new album “Hazy Days”. Listen Now! https://bfan.link/hazy-days
photos by Rebeca Margescu.