Ginevra Di Marco
Trama Tenue

It's shameful that on DeBaser there isn't even a mention of this record... at least from what I've read. Well, I'll try now...

Sensational. This is my first thought as I'm listening to the first solo work of Ginevra Di Marco, who many only know as the second voice of the Consorzio Suonatori Indipendenti (and later a collaborator, but only briefly, with P.G.R.), but not for her solo career, which started right in 1999 with this "Trama Tenue." The former C.S.I./P.G.R. member is mainly accompanied on instruments by her partner Francesco Magnelli, bassist Eugenio Masini, known as Eu, guitarist Massimiliano Gambinozzi, drummer Cristiano Della Monica, and second guitarist Davide Della Monica (is there a family relation with the guitarist? Who knows...).

The album begins with "Canto di Accoglienza", the title says it all. It's an invitation to enter a electronic rock world that begins to emerge in the second track "Lilith", one of the angriest songs of the entire CD, just like "3", the leading song of the whole CD, that catches you immediately, especially with the chorus. I have no words to describe how struck I was by the title track, with softer sounds, as you can hear from the acoustic guitar that accompanies it. Then comes "Neretva", where Eu's bass creates a very engaging atmosphere in combination with the singing, and the rock energy returns... "Itinerario né migliore né peggiore, pieno contro vuoto, sogno premonitore!", with a vocodered voice that, towards the end, is the cherry on top of an already beautiful piece by itself.

"Eclissi" begins with a sound of strings that will be followed gradually by psychedelic and captivating sounds thanks to a wah-wah guitar. All naturally enhanced by Ginevra's wonderful voice, which with "Tempo Di Attesa" becomes seductive, captivates immediately on the first listen, a great example of a love song different from the usual radio commercial stuff. I reach "Le Grandi Scoperte". Who would have expected to hear Ginevra Di Marco duet with none other than Cristiano Godano of Marlene Kuntz? The song starts right with the latter's voice, excellent as usual, and you can hear the MK influences with the sound Eu gives to his bass, especially in the finale! Afterwards, a very electronic wah-wah introduces "Voci Di Richiamo", another song whose sounds already let you feel a rock soul re-emerge in her spirit.

The beautiful "La Sorgente Del Futuro" closes the album in the best way. And I feel a bit sorry. Because it's a CD that truly impressed me, and I can't wait to hear it again because of how beautiful it is, hoping to quickly listen to all the others I've recently picked up along with this one!

Over the years, Ginevra will experiment with lighter sounds in the following "Disincanto" of 2005, and will venture into covers with "Stazioni Lunari Prende Terra A Puerto Libre," with slightly Balkan, slightly Oriental flavors, like Vinicio Capossela, just to get the idea. Albums that I might also review later on. Both albums, as seen, will receive little consideration, but she will be admired by more and more people, for as much as her music is "niche". It must be said now: Ginevra Di Marco, together with Cristina Donà, is one of the best voices in the Italian rock scene. So, I'll conclude with this: get this album. Absolutely. A must of Italian music from the late '90s.

I should mention that this is the first review I've ever done, I hope I didn't do too terribly...