Oniric
Mannequins

"Mannequins" is the title of the second album by Oniric, 4 years after the release of the highly acclaimed "Cabaret Syndrome".

The album's artwork reflects the pervasive message of the work by the Benevento duo: two faceless, expressionless mannequins, "unemotional mannequins" indeed; particularly striking is the inner phrase "inspired by a real mid-autumn dream": this alone would suffice to convey the essence of what one experiences in the album.

Starting from this narrative, the aforementioned concept of the album transfigures and develops over 12 "oneiric" (pardon) tracks. Sounds like gramophones, bells, chimes, radios, music boxes, coins, typewriter keys, present throughout the album, transport the listener waltzing into that "decadent" atmosphere of late 19th-century European port cities, but also reminiscent of "Nightmare before Christmas" or "Syberia". "Suggestions don't cost a penny" is a brilliant watershed between the more strictly a-la-valse part of the album (the title track "Mannequin" and "Tomorrow the sorrow" being beautiful) and the part more contaminated by "modern" elements (we like guitars with vibrato!) of the other 6 pieces.

Tracks like "My oniric war machine" and "Nirvana" stand out; the "Requiem for a soldier" is also highly successful; but above all, the ballad that ideally closes the entire world of this album is particularly noteworthy: "Macabre History", probably one of Oniric's most inspired pieces.

"Mannequins" confirms the maturity and originality of the path undertaken by one of the most interesting and appreciated abroad (nemo propheta in patria) bands of our local scene. Atmosphere and musical artistry are the fundamental codes of this work, which had the challenging task of following a debut album that was positively reviewed and received with great interest.

Highly recommended for those who want to embark on a journey back in time and be lulled by dreamy and melancholic Tiersenian melodies.