ANNA FUNK DAMAGE - Il Corpo Che Si Rompe

Album

2 Aug

Announcing themselves to the Osare! Editions family in one of the most esoteric and convoluted ways possible, ANNA FUNK DAMAGE brings an exceptional blend of punk, black metal, and electronic witchcraft to the label with their new release Il Corpo Che Si Rompe (2023). Eclectically phasing between genres, tempos, and intensities, the Italian DJ and producer presents heavily fuzzed-out experimentation into the depth of expression. Boasting nine albums since 2019, the relative newcomer ANNA FUNK DAMAGE is becoming a veteran purely through output, with this latest cut showcasing some of the more visceral tracks in the artist's catalogue.

Il Corpo Che Si Rompe conjures twisted spirits Intent on depravity from the off with 'Sono Spendo', the most egregious and true-to-form black metal experiment outside the genre. It's not alone in these more ambient lead binges into sounds and textures as other notable cuts on the album, 'Quello Che Non Ho' a track whose deep groans unsold pads create a more melancholic feel, advancing on the romantic in quite a morbid way. While 'Memoria, Solitudine' and 'La Fine' especially branch more into the surreal. The former investigates the relationship between the mechanical and conceptual through thick layers of reverb that simulate factory floors and the repetitive heavy clanging of machinery. At the same time, the latter uses delayed kick drums and ghostly vocals to simulate a fever dream.

'Nessuno Dasalvare' unravels itself as the inception point of the album, laying down many of the themes explored. ANNA FUNK DAMAGE plunges into grim dark atmospheres surrounded by sledgehammer percussion and ever-present occultist chord progressions that lend themselves perfectly to this album's energetic blend of punk and black metal. Continuing these themes into 'Occhio Cheballa', tension is catapulted upwards as uncomfortable whispers appear so close, they're inside the head. That is until the second half, when low-end ferocity is added to the mix, introducing shades of power electronics. Consistent deviation from norms is ANNA FUNK DAMAGE intent on this record. Tempos change almost as fast as genre influences, with the cut 'Allegri Rimpianti' being one of these more downtempo swayers. It's a blend of gothic arpeggios, growling bass, but this time, wrapped up in a softer package, a welcome look at Andrea Natale's emotional repertoire.

'Tom You Was A Good Player' is a standout, not just for obvious reasons but for its pure, relentless, inebriated bases that slide wildly under boisterous kicks and snares. Being one of the most extended tracks on the record gives it legs as a Club tune, with lyrics that reflect on time passing and the inevitable fall from grace many will experience. It straddles a perfect line between introspection and freedom. The truly out-there electronic experimentations with vocals come in the album's namesake, 'Il Corpo Che Si Rompe', a brutal affront to the senses. Chopped vocal screeches, cascading war drums, and piercing analogue drones with a hint of chugging baseline create a truly out-there experience. Yet it is until 'She's So Differently' that the effects-driven mastication begins. It becomes a swarm of fuzz and static, enveloping every facet of the ripping guitar tones and heartbroken vocals distorted into a single riff.

Consolidating wildly differing influences into one cohesive experience is challenging, yet Andrea Natale's expertise in harmonic pedals unfolds a beautifully tortured experience. Ample saturation blend together influences while adequately roughing them up to reflect the emotional turmoil that courses through the veins of this record, revealing an outstanding punk-infused album drenched in distortion. It's great to see that Osare! Editions knew cassette tape was the only medium worthy to release as it harkens back to the classic punk DIY aesthetic, adding a little spicy warmth.

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