EGOHEART 1999

MY CLIMATS (France) "La bonne musique chaude et profonde des musiciens italiens. My Climats a aimé l'esprit de ce groupe "BIOnighT"..." "Good music - warm and profound - by these Italian musicians. My Climats loves BIOnighT's soul..." Alain Groetzinger To visit this website click HERE

KRAUTROCKNET.COM (UK) "(...) Egoheart in particular will appeal to fans of the so called Berlin School, each track perfectly crafted and will appeal to fans of Klaus Schulze and Tangerine Dream, too. Influences come not just from the big two, but Mac is also a fan of Jean Michel Jarre (evident on Technofly from Egoheart), Depeche Mode and, interestingly enough, theme songs of anime series from the 70's and 80's (the latter being a concept Krautrock Towers would most definitely like to investigate). (...) Italy now has serious contenders in the electronic music stakes." Nigel Pennington To visit this website click HERE

MARGEN MAGAZINE (SPAIN) "(...) it's by an Italian duo that have been working together since 1999, year in which the album we are reviewing was released. This is electronic music of the best quality, with a brilliant sequencial structure and continuous explosions of electrifying melodies. The influences we detect go from Schulze to Shreeve to Vangelis. What can I say? It's fascinating and I recommend it." Rafa Dorado To visit this website click HERE

SEQUENCES (UK) "For some reason, EM from Italy has always been something of a rarety, especially when compared to Germany or the Netherlands.True, Baffo Banfi enjoyed some success on IC back in the 80s and, on a more obscure note one Ciro Perrino released a few albums way back when but these are the exceptions rather than the rule. Consisting of FaBIO Sbrizzi and the mysteriously named Mac, BIOnighT are doing their bit to put their country back on the EM map & this demo CDR certainly presses all the right EM buttons. Although they describe themselves as a 'Krautrock-cosmic-electronic duo from Italy' the 'krautrock' part of the description is a little suspect as this is pretty straightforward sequencer-based EM, so it's odds on that the retroheads will lap this one up. This is very much the case of the opening "Egoheart," which is firmly in Teutonic territory. The rhythmic cascades add a certain bite to the music as do the screaming synthleads. Easily discernable throughout is a definite sense of purpose with "Timegod" proving another track like this with chunky sequencers chugging away quite merrily with a surging & powerful style that makes for a more immediately accessible listen."Campoalto" also goes towards such styles but this is less direct with a more reflective feel, despite the chugging rhythmic backing. A definite spacey ambience pervades the 17-minute "Bionight" which comes the closest to emulating the Berliner Schule styles, especially Schulze's spacier works. The closing classically styled sections are especially impressive and an indication of the duo really putting their heart and soul into their music."Technoflight" is a very different animal to the rest of the band's output as a potent mix of spacey ambience and an accessible melody gently unfold over a laid back rhythm. I'm reminded slightly of Wavestar's classic track "Moonwind" (but without the Floyd-like guitar), a feeling which becomes more tangible once the Dysonesque synth strings make their presence felt as the track progresses. You might be wondering where the 'techno' part of the title comes into this. Well, the answer is provided by the closing "Technofly" which is a techno/trance version of the same track but with one little difference. The band claim that while most other acts make techno versions of spacey tracks they've made a spacey version of a techno track, same difference to the listener of course! This aside, both versions are worthwhile inclusions and provide a healthy dose of variety to the album. Although BIOnighT play it pretty safe as far as EM goes they provide an enjoyable album that is certain to have wide appeal among EM fans and retroheads in particular." Carl Jenkinson To visit this website click HERE

AURAL INNOVATIONS (USA) "Mac & FaBIO are collectively known as BIOnighT and they come from Luino, Italy. Their music is hypnotic/ambient in nature, and it stirs many a restless vision of before. It echoes those early pioneers of electronic music, those experimenters who dabbled with their new theories of atmospherics, and it certainly breathes fresh life into the foundations that were laid by those innovators long ago. As I listen to the first track, 'Egoheart', I get images of Tangerine Dream straight away as soft chords start building an introduction for a sequenced bass pattern. It moves forward almost immediately as a drumbeat adds depth in an almost 'Madrigal Meridian' style from the album Cyclone. Much of Egoheart 1999 is based upon that style of electronica. The majority is very good stuff indeed, and it rolls like Tangerine Dream/Klaus Schulze/Vangelis all in one. BIOnighT take the music to the next level as they incorporate other influences. All that has been done before somehow seems fresh in this new form. It is definitely not dance music; you will be relieved to hear it is pure electronica in the vein of the aforementioned. The only track that I can say sounds in anyway dance music would be 'Technofly.' This track is the muse for track 2 'Technoflight'; this is a remix of 'Technofly'. To me it is strange that the original song sounds more dance orientated than the remix does. I have listened to this CD quite a lot and I really do like it. 'Timegod' is very Klaus Schulze like. The bass pattern takes the form of the hypnotic, and melodies are worked into place introducing elements of other games. The whole album is very mellow and some people will find it all too repetitive and dull, but those of us who love Tangerine Dream and the likes will be pleased to no end. 'Bionight' is the first track that Mac & FaBIO recorded together so it is the beginning of the road. It starts slow and wind like with touches of Vangelis proceeding into a bass type sequence, it spans the start of its 17 odd minutes in a sedate fashion. The sequence stirs from its sleep to incorporate a drum pattern into its awakening and this track reminds me of Klaus Schulze in many ways. Very good stuff." Albert Pollard To visit this website click HERE

KLEM (The Netherlands) "(...) Their debut album includes six tracks, the closing one being the most rhythmic piece, in a techno/trance style. The strings used in this album remind of Wavestar, while the heavy sequencer work, the use of sounds, and the structure of the tracks are clearly of Berlin School origin. Genre music created with love and energy, fairly unpredictable and always original. Egoheart can be considered an accessible and honest album of retrò sequences, personal enough, and that many people will certainly enjoy. (...) " Bert Strolenberg

ENCYCLOPEDIA of ELECTRONIC MUSIC (RUSSIA) "Egoheart is a very good album for fans of classic Electronic Music. There are sequences, great melodies and occasional rhythms. The highlights are "Technoflight", a relatively slow piece with catchy tune, "Timegod" with its thundering bass line which is something to hear, and "Bionight", a long suite with many varied motifs." Artemi Pugachov To visit this website click HERE

ELECTROAMBIENT SPACE (USA) (about the complete Cosmic Trilogy) "BIOnighT is my favorite recent discovery in electronic music. The band is a duo of Italians who met by chance, Sbrizzi FaBIO and a man known only as Mac. I have exchanged several emails with Mac, and it is obvious that he and FaBIO are passionate about their music. The three CDs below constitute what they call their "Cosmic Trilogy," and I think each one is fantastic, all of them highly recommended. I can't put my finger on just what it is I like so much about these guys, but my affection for the music was immediate on first listen, and has only grown stronger as I listen more. Egoheart is sometimes light bright space music, sometimes dark atmospherics, sometimes up-tempo in the Berlin school style, all of it is top notch. The title track sweeps right in and commands attention, launching into a solid beat and sequence after a brief spacey intro. A soft guitar or synth lead reminds me very much of Dom F. Scab's upbeat melodic style. A solid theme runs throughout the opening track, but it is constantly changing as well, moving from one section to another with ease. Dreamy sounds from deep space bring the track to a close. "Technoflight (remix of Technofly)" is lighter and softer but no less enjoyable. Soaring synth strings, without being overly sentimental, join a nicely composed piano melody. Next up is "Timegod" - I love the galloping bass sequence on this one, just fantastic. A variety of mid-tempo synths meander through it just right, another piece of pure enjoyment. Each track is rich with depth, fully developed into exactly what it should be, especially the epic 17-minute "Bionight," a surprisingly understated piece for one so long, but it works nonetheless. "Technofly" is a happy upbeat ending to a great CD through and through. Nothing flashy, it all just works. By far BIOnighT's shortest disc, Afterpost is still well worthy of attention. The title track sneaks up on you, starting slow but gradually layering synths and sequencing in very pleasing fashion, hitting its stride, then steadily cascading back down into relaxed mode. Interestingly, detailed notes from the band state that "Saturdaydown" was representative of a dark time in BIOnighT's history, but it seems a rather perky number to me, shuffling along quite nicely. In a surprising turn, the lead synth in the middle sounds almost like lounge jazz. "Snowy Park" is very light, but before you can say "new age," a first-class sequence comes in that Tangerine Dream would be proud to call their own, a delicate wonder of a track. "Motherwater" finds a groove early and just goes with it. "Evolution Dawn" has another strong sequence and infectious bass line, a great way to finish a CD that ends much too soon. The last of their cosmic trilogy, Daybreak starts with the groovin' title track, a nice little burst of low-key energy to get things going. "Mosse Dal Vento," which translated is "Moved By The Wind," is an expansive, spacious piece that breathes in deeply, taking it all in and letting it all go. These two tracks already speak to the nature of this disc, easily the most diverse of the three BIOnighT releases to date. This is due in no small part to the fact that the disc is a mix of BIOnighT tracks and solo tracks by FaBIO and by Mac. That is not to say, however, that the disc doesn't hold together as a unit, because it does. Whether romping to the backbeat of "Metropolitis" (with guest musician Sbrizzi Andrea, FaBIO's nephew), grooving to the vintage synths of "Mind Probe," or relaxing to the mellow hypnotic sounds of "Rachele," it all has that BIOnighT feel to it. If you don't know exactly what that is, pick up their discs and find out." Phil Derby To visit this website click HERE

SYNTH MUSIC DIRECT (UK) "I am sure Bionight will become extremely popular. Their music is very easy to get on with and though they have a style of their own they did remind me a little of the best of 80s Neuronium. We begin the title track with very warm lush pads. An excellent analogue sounding sequence starts up fitting in perfectly with infectious rhythms which join it a few seconds later. Things get even better as we go on with the introduction of catchy melodies. Don't worry though this isn't too commercial just cracking EM of the variety which pretty much forms the backbone of the sort of stuff we sell at SMD. 'Technoflight' is melodically even stronger than the opener. The lead line is quite playful but will stay with you long after the CD is out of the player. The rhythm bounces along nicely and more lovely lush pads finish the package to perfection. If you like a good 'tune' without compromising solid EM credentials this will probably be one of the best tracks you will have heard in a very long time. 'Timegod' uses a late seventies sounding sequence as its backbone. To this is added an insistent beat and almost Schulzian sounding staccato melodic stabs. It's another sure-fire winner. 'Campoalto' is rhythmically a rather happy number. This contrasts however with little melodies coming and going to form quite a complex backing. They obviously like the next seventeen- minute track 'Bionight' quite a bit as they called the band after it. Initially the mood is very different from the rest of the CD as it begins with deep dark ominous drones accompanied by the sound of the wind. A tinkling sequence starts up, as does a bass line quite low in the mix. A bright but slightly melancholy lead meanders over the top. Another sequence gets underway in the fourth minute then the mood changes somewhat. Another rhythm is added, this time a rather foot tapping one around which weaves a bright repeated melody. At about the half way mark things become quite sparse being stripped down to mainly the sequence and when this departs we are left with similar pads to which we started. This rather pleasant state of float continues for a couple of minutes then very slowly more sequences start to form but never rise above being gentle detail, complimenting the peacefulness of the backing extremely well. 'Technofly' was the original track from which 'Techoflight' was remixed. It is pretty similar in the melody department though rhythmically it is heavier, the whole track having a deeper bass feel as well as being somewhat more insistent. This is an excellent album, fun and refreshingly unpretentious. Highly recommended. " David Law To visit this website click HERE

GUTS OF DARKNESS (FRANCE) "BIOnighT is the result of the creative union of Sbrizzi FaBIO and the mysterious - but very likable - Mac, two Italian musicians strongly inspired by the atmospheres of the long sequencer suites of the 70's. Egoheart was recorded in 1999 and distributed by an independent label; it was their first work and it was the first element of of a trilogy that also includes Afterpost and Daybreak. Entirely realized on a Gem S3 turbo workstation, Egoheart is superbly harmonious. It is the kind of work that will seduce Berlin-School-style electronic music fans. It is now distributed by SynGate, and this second life will allow EM lovers to finally discover BIOnighT's sound universe, melodic and audacious at the same time. A very floating intro sharpens our senses when a low-frequency, waving line blows through our loudspeakers. Quietly, the title track takes off on a solid weaving of percussions that deviate and go back to their initial line embracing a round and heavy bass line. Scorching synth solos play chords of synthetic guitar on an infernal rhythm that goes up and down like a cosmic rollercoaster. A skillful mixture of Michael Stearns' superb Chronos and the intoxicating M'Ocean, two classics of whirling EM. Egoheart ends on the calm, whistling harmonies of its main melodic line. A classic ending that represents well enough the whole work. This track is too short - and never too long… Technoflight is a soft ballad that spreads its tenderness on a symphonic synth. The notes twirl on soft chords of a celestial harp enriched by flute-like passages. This is a softer version of the track "Technofly" that closes the album with a more "dance floor" approach. Driven by a very Schulzesque influence, Timegod gallops on a heavy linear movement, brightened by inspired percussions mixed with jerky notes. The synths, flavored by discreet choir timbers, envelop this heavy and unbridled rhythm. The bass is superb. Campoalto is an audacious title that pushes melody's limits into a more complex field. It carves spirals of bright notes that fall all around with the effect of a music box. An enchanting title where the guitar chords, as well as the guttural choirs, lie on a discreet sequencer to form an astonishing spatial bolero. A title that reminds me of Deep Ocean Vast Sea by Peter Murphy. Bionight, the musical piece, is Egoheart's corner stone. The whole first part is simply superb. The rhythm is fluid, with soft notes that dance on a sweet synth. The solos are tight and sharp and end up into more powerful rhythms, driven by a sensual and penetrating bass line that earlier in the track had already traced its gentle hypnotic movement. Quietly, the track heads for a more atmospheric portion that reminds of Egoheart's first movements. This is a pleasant surprise, the kind of cd that stays with you, both for its melodious side and for the audacity of its atmospheric and cosmic soundscapes. I found similarities with Schulze, Baffo Banfi and Neuronium, a nice mix, but the Italian duo adds a personal touch. BIOnighT are not satisfied with just imitating a style, an era, they contribute their very personal tone that should please both the listeners that are new to EM with its rhythms and harmonies, and the hard core EM buffs because of the great sequences and the superb title track that sticks to the eardrums. Guaranteed." Sylvain Lupari Original French version: "BIOnighT, c'est l'union créative de Sbrizzi FaBIO et le mystérieux, ainsi que très sympathique, Mac, deux musiciens Italiens fortement inspirés par les effluves des longues tirades musicales séquentielles des années 70. Réalisé et distribué en 1999 sur une étiquette indépendante, Egoheart est leur premier opus et l'élément premier d'une trilogie comprenant Afterpost et Daybreak. Entièrement réalisé avec un Gem S3 Turbo Workstation, Egoheart est superbement mélodieux. Le genre d'opus qui séduira les fans de Musique Électronique, style Berlin School. Il est maintenant distribué par Syngate, et ce 2ième souffle permettra aux amateurs de découvrir enfin l'univers sonore à la fois harmonieux et audacieux de Bionight. Une intro très flottante aiguise nos sens lorsqu'une ligne basse et ondulante souffle au travers nos hauts parleurs. Tranquillement, la pièce titre prend son envol sur un solide jeu de percussions qui martèle un rythme déviant et revient sur sa ligne initiale, embrassant une basse ronde et lourde. Sulfurants, les solos de synthé toisent des accords de simili guitares sur un rythme infernal qui monte et descend, tel une montagne russe cosmique. Un habile mélange de Michael Stearns entre le superbe Chronos et l'enivrant M'Ocean, deux classiques de MÉ tourbillonnante. Egoheart se termine dans le calme sifflotant des harmonies de sa ligne maîtresse. Un départ canon, qui dépeint assez bien l'œuvre entière. Une pièce trop courte et jamais assez longue. Technoflight est une douce ballade qui dévoile sa tendresse sur un synthé symphonique. Les notes virevoltent sur des doux accords d'une harpe céleste, enrobées de savoureux passages flûtés. Une version plus douce de Technofly qui ferme Egoheart avec une approche plus ''dance floor''. Pulsé par une influence très Schulzienne, Timegod galope sur un mouvement linéaire lourd, agrémentée par de géniales percussions qui s'entremêlent à des notes saccadées. Les synthés, aromatisés de discrets chœurs, enveloppent ce rythme lourd et débridé. La basse y est superbe. Campoalto est un titre audacieux qui pousse les limites de la mélodie dans un champ plus complexe. Il vrille en spirale sur des notes limpides qui tombent avec l'effet de carillons. Un titre enchanteur où les accords de guitares, ainsi que les chœurs gutturaux, appuyé sur un séquenceur discret forment un étonnant boléro spatial. Un titre qui me rappelle Deep Ocean Vast Sea de Peter Murphy. Bionight, la pièce musicale, est la pierre d'assise d'Egoheart. La première partie est tout simplement superbe. Le rythme est fluide, filtrant de fines notes qui dansent sur un synthé suave. Les solos sont exigus et aigus et finissent dans des rythmes plus puissants, poussés par une ligne basse sensuelle et pénétrante qui, déjà, avait tracée son faible mouvement hypnotique. Tranquillement, le titre se dirige vers une portion plus atmosphérique qui interpelle les mouvements de Egoheart. Voilà une agréable surprise. Le genre de cd qui accroche, tant par son côté mélodieux que l'audace de ses évasions atmosphériques et cosmiques. J'y ai trouvé des similitudes avec Schulze, Baffo Banfi et Neuronium, une belle brochette, mais le duo Italien garde un brin d'originalité. Bionight ne se contente pas d'imiter un style, une époque. Il y contribue par sa sonorité bien personnelle qui devrait plaire, tant aux néophytes, à cause des rythmes et harmonies, qu'aux purs et durs, à cause des loupes vrillantes et de la superbe pièce d'introduction qui colle aux tympans. Garanti." Sylvain Lupari To visit this website click HERE