Lurking in the cinematic shadows, the Italian darkwave collective, Ask The Dust, finds its spectral sanctuary. They remain a fascinating mystery, their melodies a tantalizing whisper hovering just outside the limelight of concert stages. This artistic collaboration consists of Marko Darko: the passionate bard whose voice weaves the band’s narrative threads; Massimo Zompicchiatti: a versatile maestro playing both bass and guitar, who also helms the creative direction and production of their enthralling visual art; Massimo Passon: a special guest who infuses this project with his deft keyboard mastery; and Linda Chicco, bringing their music to life through her riveting performances as an actress and artist. Together, they create an enigmatic and immersive darkwave experience that extends beyond the realm of mere sound into the evocative world of cinematic storytelling.
The latest single and video from Ask The Dust, titled “Dissolution,” navigates the profound realms of life and death through an atheistic lens. The song presents the suggestion that following death, we simply dissolve into nothingness; a concept that is unsettling yet poignant. The dance of life we partake in may be fervid and engrossing, but it is destined to conclude, as all things do; that every sensation, every memory, every thrill and heartache, will cease in time. It’s an eternal cycle of existence and dissolution. This somber ode borrows whispers in Spanish from Cesare Pavese’s reflective poem, ‘Tango’. The haunting recitations serve to further emphasize the song’s contemplation of our transient existence.
Fascinated by the prospect, the band sought to craft a composition reflective of their darkwave ethos, whilst staying true to their perpetual quest for innovation. Yet, they also aspired to venture into the unfamiliar by infusing their creation with a danceable rhythm uncommon within the genre: a tango.
In the accompanying video, the eternal cycle is aptly symbolized by the intricate steps of a tango. The room in which the dance unfolds is painted with a dichotomy of light – simultaneously bathed in the warmth of intense hues and the chilling embrace of cold blue rays. The discarded masks and clothing strewn across the floor subtly hint at the ultimate fate of the dancers engaged in this eternal performance.
Watch the video for “Dissolution” below:
In the creation of the video, great attention was lavished upon the attire of the actresses and performers. One of them was adorned in bespoke garments, meticulously crafted by a Rome-based atelier renowned for their gothic and dark fashion creations. This sartorial element adds a tangible layer of authenticity.
The use of lighting was another significant aspect of the video’s production. It served to decontextualize the three fundamental elements – the singing, the dancing, and the poetic recitation. By manipulating light, the creators aimed to elicit a spectrum of emotions from the viewers, intensifying the seamless fusion of music, words, and images. Each of these components, integral to the overall narrative, contribute to the video’s immersive, evocative quality.
Striking a balance between the dramatic and the tongue-in-cheek, especially considering the weighty subject matter, their work also stands as a clever retort to the annual invasion of Spanish summer hits that washes over Italy. The melancholy of watered-down mojitos served beachside in lackluster plastic cups becomes an unlikely muse. Their creation is a creative antidote, a rebellious stand against this yearly deluge, playfully challenging the status quo of the summer soundtrack.
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