Song Reviews: Galliano Sommavilla's "Elektro Country" and "Breathe"

Galliano Sommavilla
"Elektro Country" and "Breathe"

"Elektro County" is a rollicking instrumental treat with ambient and spacey electronic sounds backed by keyboard accompaniment and atmospheric guitar work. The swishy percussion is accompanied by spacey tones and intergalactic noises that propel the track into a third dimension, or another galaxy. The guitar-like tune is upbeat and melodic with a slight country presence that is not particularly intrusive. The end of the song is a culmination of the musical elements from rock, new age, instrumental, and filmic worlds. The nearly four-minute song is aptly-titled, "Elektro Country," because it symbolizes a country edge with a modern twist of lush, electronic overtones. The music brings together a good mix of sounds that connote contemporary new age creations and electronic wizardry that does not lose its intensity or appeal. Overall, Galliano continues to amaze us with inventive songs new ways to discover some of the best instrumental music in the world. "Elektro Country" does not disappoint and Gary Ritchie's electric guitar work is perfect.

"Breathe" is a five-minute musical journey that is very magical and melancholic with subtle doses of acoustic and electric guitar work. The atmospheric washes and light vocal additions accentuate the song's delightful qualities. The cascade of sounds are steeped in lullabye-like arrangements that are meditative and dreamy. There is a host of new age-isms that come to mind, but everything is creative and memorable. The vocal additions are almost non-descript, but their sounds are very indicative of an early Enya recording. Compared with "Elektro Country," "Breathe" is a longer, more majestic tapestry of aural colors that only reinforces Galliano's amazing ability to create meaningful and vibrant songs with little in the way of instrumentation. From the opening, neo-classical arrangement to the electronic medley of sound, Galliano does not shy away from experimentation. Fans of world music, instrumental, jazz, new age, ambient, and related forms of music should be quite satisfied with Galliano's latest offerings. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Galliano Sommavilla's 'Vol. 30 Ambient and Mellow'

Galliano Sommavilla
Vol. 30 Ambient and Mellow
Self-Release

Galliano Sommavilla, hailing from Australia, has released his latest compilation of songs borne out of a-song-a-day-project. Having released several albums of songs created each day over one year as part of his 365 project, Galliano continues to amaze listeners with his instrumental splendor on keyboards, guitars, percussion, and piano sounds. The latest album, Vol. 30..., contains fourteen tracks that are found in no particular order and titled "song/day". The whole feel of the album encompasses a more down-tempo theme that is serene and exploratory with a blissful side.

"Song/Day 110" begins with a sauntering piano-like melody with piercing atmospheric washes, and jazzy percussion that incorporates a sexy brass sound. The rolling bass and fluid, yet uppity tune, conjures up images of a smoky jazz lounge or a down-tempo gem that will not get out of one's head after listening to it the first time. Mesmerizing electric guitar sounds are rather solid near the end of the song. The twinkling piano keys and fluid bass-line with a sporadic blurts of trumpet make "110" a necessary listen.

"Song/Day 317" opens with a blurby, electronic-tinged intro with sweeping atmospheric sounds, punchy sounds, and horn-driven noises amidst a lush bass-line and percolating guitar strums. The song moves along with new age elements and a jazzy beat that is very calming, but equally enigmatic and engaging. The horn-like sounds and dizzying cascade of swishy whirs makes the song come alive.

"Song/Day 151" contains a breezy flute, light percussion, and jazzy atmospheric opener with a cheery foundation and soundtrack-esque qualities that seem to float effortlessly on sound waves. The song is more structured than other songs on the album, but it still retains a unique blend of improvisational quirks that make it one of the best songs on the album. Over two-minutes into the song, the jazzy chorus shines on in utter beauty without faltering.

"Song/Day 55" opens with a light, sauntering jazzy side with atmospheric washes and a glowing, smooth keyboard style. The smattering of percussion, driving beat, and atmospheric elements arouse an inventive element that is not to dissimilar than a good Zero 7 instrumental. A few trumpet sounds give the track a sultry side. The horn-driven, electric guitar sounds awaken the track with a little psychedelic panache. Overall, the song is another jazzy masterpiece in-line with Galliano's best works.

"Song/Day 40" begins with a soft, yet majestic arrangement of atmospheric washes, stark piano keys, and neo-classical elements that are thought-provoking and timeless. There is a percussive element about one-minute into the song. The poignant piano sounds and wash of cymbals melds nicely with the mellow foundation. The hand-percussion sounds give the song a more organic feel overall. The sweeping piano sounds and atmospheric washes cement the tune into another solid recording from Galliano.

All in all, Galliano Sommavilla satisfies new age tastes, down-tempo lovers, and instrumental connoisseurs with a knack for neo-classical, alternative jazz, and electronic music. Honestly, Galliano excels with another excellent compilation of songs to come out of the 2013 to 2014 project. Collect all the recordings by one of the most talented musicians in the down-tempo and electronic genres. Review by Matthew Forss