Umberto - From the Grave

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4...according to our Clinton on Fri 18 Mar, 2011.

Umberto, Umberto they drink it in the um.. Congo. The premise behind this solo project of Expo '70 bassist Matt Hill is to re-interpret the classic 70's synth soundtracks by the likes of Goblin and John Carpenter even to the point that we have tracks entitled 'Opening Credits' (which comes across as a synth re-interpretation of Joy Divisions 'Decades', (The same melody - exactly) and 'End Credits'. What we get is heavily synthesized sounds, ethereal keyboards, eerie soundscapes - perfect horror soundtrack fodder. The boys in the office who are more aware of the Italian '70s and '80s "giallo" (horror/thriller) genre of film are in thrall to the accuracy of this homage. Whether its more than that and can be taken on its own terms by the ill informed likes of myself remains to be seen but what we have is an extremely accurate pastiche/ homage which will also appeal to fans of the similarly influenced Zombi and Chrime in Choir. Previously only available as a limited edition CDr and cassette tape via Sonic Meditations. This is a limited vinyl re-press of 500 copies.

WOW!! Great timing, we're getting some of this essential side back in> Expo 70 bass/synth player Matt Hill has gone solo. His debut LP under the Umberto moniker is an analog masterpiece heavily influenced by the classic film score work of Goblin, except arguably better. From the moment you drop the needle, you ll be transported to Italy as an extra in a vintage horror flick directed by Dario Argento. This is some of the most accessible, yet totally authentic sounding music of the giallo genre we ve ever heard. It was previously only available as a hyper limited edition CDr and cassette tape via Sonic Meditations. NOW AVAILABLE ON VINYL IN AN EDITION OF 500 COPIES!

Review of Umberto From The Grave : From aQarius Records: " Doubtless many movie (and music) buffs would agree that Italian '70s and '80s "giallo" (horror/thriller) cinema, from directors like Dario Argento and Lucio Fulci, had soundtracks usually as evocative and inspirational as any visual aspect of the films, soundtracks which often stand as effective works of art all on their own. The scores by prog band Goblin being perhaps best known, influencing such modern day bands as Zombi and Crime In Choir. Now here's another, utterly blatant and most excellent example of Italian giallo soundtrack worship by a current artist: Umberto! Umberto has a heavily synthesized sound, keyboards buzzing and droning and squelching, crunchily distorted or eerily ethereal, sounding at once like ominous Gothic organ music and also spacey futuristic electronica. Mechanical drumming plods along, propulsive beats adding to the menacing atmosphere. There's also plenty of fat disco synth-bass, and we bet folks into Italians Do It Better 12"s, or Black Devil Disco Club, or even skweee would get a kick out of this too, not just Goblin fanatics... but yeah Goblin fanatics (and John Carpenter and Zombi fans too) REALLY ought to check this out! Very cool, very creepy, and even at times kinda catchy-groovy.. "

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