SLOZZ & MIGISI/HELL & HEAVEN (AND OTHER COOL GOODIES)

As my faithful readers know, I've covered the Lynch-ish skills of Italian filmmaker, Steven Slozz (Stefano Dalca) on several occasions. I hold the artist and his varied creations in high regard. Slozz is also a most generous gent, as evidenced by the terrific care package he sent per pricey, international mail. 

The contents are as avante-garde as the artist: a plush, ornate journal (affectionately inscribed by my friend), into which I can jot my thoughts for future, weird tales; a handmade Slozz Records paperweight (centered with skull imagery and trimmed in bodacious blood red); and experimental CDs...

For the record (pun intended), the movie-making/recording entrepreneur just so happens to be a spellbinding musician/composer in his own right, favoring an energetic, hard-rock approach for his devil-may-care emoting.

As such, Slozz's Tantvm Resvrrectvris Sepvlcrvm Mevm (which consists of "La Notte In Cu Emily Calpesto' Il Mio Sepolcro" {composed by N. Betti} and "Promessa Di Un Eterno Ritorno") is a spectacular, two-track (EP) treat. This praise, mind you, comes from one who doesn't generally listen to the harder, thrashing stuff. Nevertheless, when something is deftly composed, no matter what the subject or intent, I'm apt to embrace it with unconditional surrender. I shouldn't have been surprised, therefore, that Slozz once again hits the proverbial, dark mark that his fans have come to expect. 

I must note that Tantvm Resvrrectvris Sepvlcrvm Mevm isn't comprised merely of well defined, orchestrated notes, but also of Slozz's pervasive, indignant vocals, which slice through his weird wall of sound like a locomotive hitting a wall. (The mad Phil Spector would be wise to step aside, for Slozz's audio barrage is incomparable: the sort of hair-raising stuff that makes spook houses and roller coasters so damn appealing.)

To accompany Tantvm Resvrrectvris Sepvlcrvm Mevm, Slozz enclosed another two-track (EP) excursion: this one by his eminent friend, Matt Migisi. 

Migisi's set is called Pagine/Quella cameriera di Nome Celeste, and in contrast (but also in inspired accompaniment) to Tantvm Resvrrectvris Sepvlcrvm Mevm, his content is smooth, sweet and soaring, spiced by his rich, empathetic, Italian voice. (I really love his lovely waitress homage.)  On the whole, Pagine/Quella Camerier Di Nomie Celeste's gentle strokes placed me in a musical nirvana, which I'm certain to revisit on those days that prove too arduous or exhaustive to bear. 

Now that I think of it, listening to this dandy double feature back-to-back was like falling into a fiery pit of Hell, only then to ascend among Heaven's pacifying peaks. What a sensational sweep! I'm truly flattered that Slozz gifted me in such a thoughtful, spectrum-spanning way. 

For those interested in Slozz and/or Migisi's work (whether on CD or vinyl), feel free to contact the former at ... https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009219645065.  Your request will be well worth the effort. After all, everyone needs a little emotional swinging from time to time. Slozz and Migisi are ideal virtuosos to supply it.