Anunaku - Chimera

  • Heavenly techno from the producer otherwise known as TSVI.
  • Share
  • Guglielmo Barzacchini hasn't always made celestially-themed music. The Italian-born, London-based producer's bassy take on techno as TSVI and penchant for Levantine instrumentation as Anunaku has been well-documented. But since 2020's 053 with Loraine James, 2021's 042, and last year's 060 with Avalon Emerson (he nearly always releases on AD 93, hence the catalogue number titles), he's replaced his earthly tones with something more transcendental. Some might miss Barzacchini's more rugged techno, but "Chimera," from his latest release, 063, even with its grand motifs, still keeps one foot on terra firma. Long four-to-the-floor techno tunes tip-toe a line between vague and uplifting (for me anyway), but "Chimera"'s six minutes have purpose. The heady kick drums and twinkling synth pattern drive onwards to an emotional climax of undulating chants emboldened by sharp breaks. Part of me wants to liken its almost holy aura of euphoria with a line from La Divina Commedia or something, but that would betray the song's universal charm. So I'll steal the words of a Bandcamp user instead: this is "Hands in the air, lasers everywhere, giving your mates a big hug" music.
RA