Doris Norton
Raptus

THE REVIEW

Doris Norton is a figure that evokes spectral memories among lovers of dark-tinted Italian progressive music: alongside her partner Antonio Bartoccetti, she has written indelible pages of dark progressive music. Her voice and her church-like, macabre organ have enriched and contributed to making the records of Jacula and Antonius Rex unforgettable, which still today remain a singular experience in the Italian music scene of the 70s, a sort of ideal soundtrack for horror films by directors like Mario Bava and Riccardo Freda.

Thanks to the commendable work of the record label Black Widow, on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary, "Raptus", an electronic solo album by Doris Norton originally released in 1981 by Durium, has been reissued. This is Norton's third album, here supported by Antonio Bartoccetti (co-author of the tracks) on guitar and Tullio De Piscopo on drums (!), after “Under Ground” (1980) and “Parapsycho” (1981). The album's sounds are experimental and electronic, appealing yet never banal; tracks like “Psychoraptus”, engaging and catchy, and “Raptus” have not aged and still sound fresh today, while “Erosraptus” is a piece with a dark atmosphere, with some reminiscences of Antonius Rex. The final track “Doris Norton Lab” recalls the Kraftwerk and is another small gem of electronics, confirming the talent of these musicians who prove to be avant-garde. Rounding off the album is a video showing an old television appearance where “Psychoraptus” is performed. The booklet accompanying the CD is beautiful and rich, with many photos showing the electronic instruments and the charm of this unique artist.