Votiva Lux
Solaris

I stumbled upon a post-rock album, a genre I never had the chance to delve into properly. However, I put aside any form of prejudice and immersed myself in listening to this incredibly dignified but terribly unfortunate band. Four guys from Bologna with a passion for psychedelic music and liquid atmospheres.

Yes, you read correctly: Votiva Lux was a local band, born in the early '90s and initially close to the darkwave scene. With this "Solaris," the definitive maturation and arrival at dreamlike atmospheres and instrumental tracks (except for the opening "Ffair," sung in Gaelic!).

I mentioned post-rock, true, but the acid influences, perhaps somewhat Floydian, frequently make an appearance as well.

Eight tracks that represent a heartfelt tribute to sacred monsters like Tortoise and Mogwai. Eight tracks that allowed me to travel and dream.

Originality, probably, was not (has not been) the trademark of our beloved band, but this album, I am sure, will manage to pierce even the heart of those who are very familiar with the genre in question. So let yourself be lulled by the sweetness of tracks like "Atlantic" and "Rommel," the quirky notes of "Il Villaggio degli Uomini Fungo," or the spatial and progressive "Gasteropod - 1."

Votiva Lux ended their brief career after creating this splendid gem. I don't know if they'll return to the scene and, above all, I can't imagine how they would do it.

For now, let's enjoy "Solaris," hoping that one day their skill will be rewarded with the attention of the public, both Italian and international.