River Phoenix (Aleka's Attic)
Aleka's Attic

THE REVIEW

MUSIC FROM SOMEONE NOT EASILY FORGOTTEN

River Phoenix (1970-1993)

He was the computer-genius kid who came into contact with some eccentric aliens in the sci-fi and romantic adventure "Explorers" by Joe Dante (1985). But he was also the rebellious kid on the hunt for a corpse in the masterpiece film "Stand By Me" (1986) based on a novel by Stephen King. And again, he was the troubled narcoleptic boy in desperate search of his mother in the chilling "My Own Private Idaho" by Gus Van Sant (1991). And once again, he masterfully donned another handful of masks that rightfully cemented his place among the stars of American cinema and earned him, still a teenager, an Oscar nomination.

Those who saw him on the big screen hardly forget him. Despite his young age and brief career, he quickly became an icon for cinema enthusiasts worldwide. However, few may know that he also embarked on (in the few years he had on earth) a talented yet little commercialized and amateur musical experience.

This is evidenced by an album recorded with his band (Aleka's Attic), almost impossible to find in Italian stores, but whose tracks are easily downloadable from the web. Among these, particularly noteworthy is "Accross The Way," a track as atmospheric, engaging, and mysterious as the character who performs it (involved in all the pieces both as a singer and guitarist). Also, the sweet and soft ballad "Until Now" is very beautiful and contrasts significantly with the fast and aggressive rock of "Ordinary World," a stunning piece.

Among other noteworthy tracks is "Mingle," which sees him collaborating with Chris Cornell and the legendary Jeff Buckley. This last piece is very peculiar, starting with a dreamy and sweet atmosphere, then swiftly transforming into energetic rock punctuated by gritty guitar riffs that suddenly conclude, allowing again space for dreamlike melodies. Also beautiful is the charming "Setting," where Phoenix's voice is wrapped in a driving guitar sound. Other tracks are always nice and catchy, but overall a bit unripe compared to the aforementioned ones.

Too little time passed from the completion of the track recordings and his last films in the early '90s when River Phoenix (known as River Bottom) died in his friend Johnny Depp's club, following a respiratory arrest, grotesquely mistaken by some of his friends present for one of the many pranks staged to entertain them by the actor-musician.

A gem for music (and movie) enthusiasts, a testament to what this artist has also left in inheritance to the world of music.