Reverse Context - Reverse Context

Reverse Context

Reverse Context
self-released; 206

3.8 out of 5

By Matt Jensen
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Reverse Context is a project created by the music composer and singer Marcello Liverani. The band recently expanded with Cocco Gianluigi (arranger/guitarist) and Antonio Bonazzo (pianist/keyboard).

The band recently released a seven-song self-titled album Reverse Context which combines experimental often lush soundscapes with rock/alternative music. They are at their best when they go for it and get into territory that feels unique and original. Take for instance a song like “Shadows Falling.”

​The beginning of this song takes vocals and contorts them in sample pieces that sound inventive to my ears. There is a trip-hop vibe on this song not too far away from a band like Portishead. A dissonant piano, shimmering vocal samples and undercurrent of warmth provides the textures which Liverani sings over. It feels like he is reciting poetry at times. 

The band has a good amount of success across the album. One of the most inviting songs is “I Swim.” Its catchy vocal line is memorable but it also contains fantastic production that comes in the form of glitch effects and organ. Each song has a different palette of sounds but doesn’t sound out of place. “Web Of Light” expands like a blossom. The sounds combine to create an ethereal cloud of noise that encompasses the stereo width.

Some songs are a little more straightforward like “Here we Are”. While this song was enjoyable I have to say a song like “Ferris Wheel” was more up my alley. The song has a vibe like it could be used in one of The Matrix movies. It’s a technological thriller type of vibe that somehow feels futuristic. 

Overall, I thought the album was extremely cohesive yet displayed diversity. Not an easy feat. The songs while far from being pop are easy on the ears for those who don’t have a parochial sense of music.

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