EP Review: Nico Guzzi’s Instrumental Love pt.2 – A Nocturnal Journey Through Ethereal Soundscapes

EP Review: Nico Guzzi’s Instrumental Love pt.2 – A Nocturnal Journey Through Ethereal Soundscapes

Written By: Dan Eachus

Introduction

Italian composer and multi-instrumentalist Nico Guzzi returns with Instrumental Love pt.2, a follow-up to his previous work, Instrumental Love and Disasters. Known for his eclectic approach to composition, Guzzi once again showcases his ability to blend various genres—ambient, electronic, classical, and experimental music—into a cohesive and atmospheric EP. The six tracks on this instrumental release are deeply influenced by the nighttime and early morning hours during which they were composed, resulting in a collection of pieces that evoke a sense of tranquility, introspection, and otherworldliness.

A Seamless Blend of Genres

From the outset, it is clear that Instrumental Love pt.2 is not merely a continuation of Guzzi’s previous work but an evolution of his exploration into the possibilities of instrumental music. Guzzi’s background as a composer, singer, guitarist, and pianist, along with his experience in rock, metal, and classical music, has given him a unique ability to blend genres seamlessly. The EP begins with “The fly, the cricket, and the butterfly,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the entire release. The interplay of ambient soundscapes with delicate, classical-inspired melodies creates a sonic environment that is both serene and evocative.

This opening track is a perfect example of Guzzi’s skill in creating music that is both narrative and abstract. The title itself suggests a story—a dance of insects, each with its own rhythm and movement—and the music reflects this with its delicate balance of light and dark, motion and stillness. The ambient textures create a backdrop that is at once vast and intimate, while the melodic elements bring the listener closer, inviting them to engage with the music on a personal level.

Exploring the Cosmos

As the EP progresses, Guzzi takes the listener on a journey through space and time with “Voices of universe.” This track expands on the ethereal qualities introduced in the opening piece, using electronic elements to evoke the vastness and mystery of the cosmos. The ambient soundscapes are punctuated by subtle, haunting melodies that seem to float in and out of the listener’s consciousness, much like distant stars appearing and disappearing in the night sky.

The cosmic theme continues with “Midnight walker,” a track that captures the solitude and introspection of a solitary journey through the night. The music here is more grounded, with a rhythmic pulse that suggests movement and purpose, yet it retains the dreamlike quality that permeates the entire EP. Guzzi’s use of electronic and classical elements is particularly effective in this piece, creating a sense of progression and exploration while maintaining a deep sense of calm.

Nature’s Influence

“After the rain, waiting for the rainbow” brings the listener back to Earth, focusing on the natural world and its cycles. The title alone suggests a moment of anticipation and reflection, and the music delivers on this promise with its gentle, soothing melodies and lush, ambient textures. Guzzi’s ability to capture the essence of a moment—whether it be the stillness after a storm or the quiet anticipation of a rainbow—is evident in this track. The music is both peaceful and hopeful, offering a sense of renewal and possibility.

“Wind and solar radiation Radio” is perhaps the most abstract piece on the EP, using ambient soundscapes to explore the invisible forces that shape our world. The music here is more experimental, with layers of sound that ebb and flow like waves of energy. Guzzi’s use of electronic elements is particularly effective in this piece, creating a sense of movement and change, while the underlying ambient textures provide a sense of continuity and stability.

A Darker Exploration

The final track, “Chaotic soliloquy & the dark matter (Malus Track),” takes the EP into darker, more experimental territory. Created solely with the use of voice, this track is a departure from the previous pieces, yet it fits seamlessly into the overall narrative of the EP. The music here is more abstract, with vocal textures that range from haunting whispers to unsettling chants, creating a sense of unease and mystery. This piece is a journey into the unknown, a hypnotic exploration of the dark corners of the mind and the universe.

The use of voice as the sole instrument is particularly effective in this piece, adding a human element to the otherwise ethereal and otherworldly soundscapes. The track feels like a conversation with the self—a soliloquy that delves into the deepest, darkest parts of the psyche. The title’s reference to dark matter suggests a parallel with the unknown forces that govern the universe, and the music reflects this with its unpredictable and chaotic structure.

Conclusion: A Nocturnal Masterpiece

Instrumental Love pt.2 is a masterful exploration of the intersection between ambient, electronic, and classical music. Nico Guzzi has crafted an EP that is both cohesive and diverse, offering a journey through sound that is as introspective as it is expansive. The nighttime and early morning hours during which these pieces were composed have clearly influenced the music, imbuing it with a sense of calm, mystery, and reflection.

Guzzi’s ability to blend genres and create evocative soundscapes is on full display in this EP, making Instrumental Love pt.2 a must-listen for fans of ambient and instrumental music. Each track offers a unique perspective on the themes of nature, solitude, and the cosmos, while the final piece, “Chaotic soliloquy & the dark matter (Malus Track),” takes the listener on a darker, more experimental journey.

In a world where music often feels formulaic and predictable, Instrumental Love pt.2 is a refreshing and innovative work that invites the listener to slow down, reflect, and explore the vast and mysterious landscapes of sound that Nico Guzzi has so expertly crafted.

You can listen to the EP here: https://open.spotify.com/track/1EIpiLt5bkmjNspi0Mpa8n