Finally, after many long delays
Spettro Family’s first full length album “Glow in the Dark” is available in 250
copies limited edition vinyl format. Initially the album was released in
digital format in spring 2017 and was scheduled to be released in vinyl during
the summer by a US label. The project was unfortunately abandoned and after
many months, the album got its proper release by a UK label in January 2018.
“Glow in the Dark” comes in a
transparent special green/black splattered vinyl color (looking very cool
indeed), accompanied with colorful vivid graphic artwork by the artist.
Musically it consists of 10 songs, 6 of which are brand new songs and 4 are songs
from previous releases. So, the album could be regarded as a compilation, or at
least a nice introduction to Spettro Family’s music universe. For those
familiar with Spettro Family’s musical output, this album will be a nice
surprise, as the new songs sound very fresh and have a synthwave direction,
away from atmospheric darkness and towards an 80s nostalgia and positive mood.
Nevertheless, the weird and unexpected music elements still exist (but in a
less obvious way), judging from the “horror electronics” subtitle on the album
cover.
The album starts with “Diapason”,
a new track sounding very fresh and inviting, perfect for a starter. Next comes
“The Giggler”, a new track with the same fresh sound featuring movie dialogue
samples. Next comes “1978 La Fuga” one of Spettro Family’s best tunes,
originally appearing in 2011 cassette album “Candelora”. Dark, moody and full
of horror this two minute track is a classic! Next comes “Haunted Zurich”, a
nice track from 2015 cassette album “Per Svegliare un Sonnambulo” and finally
side A ends with “Brasov Black Biserica”, a reworked track from 2012 vinyl mini
album “La Famiglia Spettro”, one of my favourite Spettro Family releases.
Side B starts with “Manhattan
Baby”, again a well known song from 2015 cassette album “Per Svegliare un
Sonnambulo” and continues with 4 new songs: “Glow in the Dark” sounding like a
video game soundtrack, “Disco Sabba” featuring some treated vocals and a groovy
danceable rhythm, then comes “Zordak” very melodic and nostalgic. Finally, the
album ends with “Villa Sarina”, a haunted 4 minute slow paced track which might
seem rather unfitting with the previous tracks, but is very characteristic of
Spettro Family’s ghostly sounds and effects and makes a perfect ending to the
album.
“Glow in the Dark” is Spettro
Family’s first full length release and should be regarded as the band’s most
accessible album, compared to their previous works released in various limited
7” vinyl and cassette formats.
Review by Stefan Stavrides
