Swiss producer Cybophonia releases new album, “nothing more”

22 Sept

From instrumental soundscapes, to folk-tinged tracks and psychedelic rock passages, the album is quite the potpourri of influences.

The artistic persona of Eros Minichiello, a versatile artist, producer, and DJ based in Locarno, Switzerland, Cybophonia takes a new shift in direction in latest album, “nothing more”.

Traversing a diverse range of styles, as influenced by the artist’s diverse background in soundtracks for films, television, and radio, the LP offers thirteen tracks that offer insight into his many creative endeavors. Over the course of a dozen years, he has worked extensively with the Italian label Irma Records, which is home to some of his most notable works. The latest album is a “project of creation and artistic reinvention”, following on from desires expressed in 2021 album “Bloom”, and seeking to showcase his continuous desire to adapt to the evolving music landscape, all while staying true to his creative roots.

The artist's trademark dream-pop sound, developed in “Bloom” and reinterpreted with a folk-rock twist in the singles "The Dark Side of Our Minds" and "Sunday Travel Round" released last spring, is now central to the artist's vision and is a key element of most tracks on Nothing More. The entire album offers a “richly kaleidoscopic yet cohesive experience”, featuring acoustic riffs and guitar arpeggios that have become a signature of Cybophonia's refreshed style. Many tracks are further enhanced with an electronic presence that takes center stage, yet maintain a refined, minimalist nuance that allows for tasteful restraint. Despite the minimalistic tone, colour runs rich in every track, complemented by synth layers, as in the moving ballad "These Walls," and samples, such as in the opening track "Inspired by Angels”.

The album's eclectic yet coherent nature is highlighted by tracks like the Italian song "Arma a Doppio Taglio," the instrumental "Northern Light," and the aforementioned "These Walls." Although www.stereolake.com / mail@stereolake.com - all three tracks are based on bossa nova-style guitar lines, they explore different genres, from pop to chillout to folk-rock. Further showcasing Cybophonia's versatility is lead single "Resurrected Love,", one of our top picks from the album, and an electronic, dream-pop fueled song with many high moments.

Other surprise moments include the dreamy Italian-ballad with swing-jazz influences, "La Polvere delle Nuvole," the increasingly psychedelic acoustic guitar arpeggios of “Keep Breathing,” the wholly electronic character of "Pluto Breeze," and the hip-hop attitude of "Old Skool Prayer." The final two instrumental tracks, along with "Northern Light" and "Rocco Freeway Master," are said to have been unreleased for several years, and were specially reworked for this collection. This speaks positive things of Cybophonia’s creative visions for each release, and his patience knowing where a specific piece of work can thrive in his journey.

The poetic minimalism of the album’s artwork, by Swiss artist Fausto Tommasina, overall provides insight into the project’s aesthetic direction, signaling a return to the more personal and introspective themes that characterize Cybophonia’s music.