Control Unit

Ninni Morgia and Silvia Kastel make their first appearance as Control Unit on Italy's freshly minted Backwards label. Guitarist Ninni Morgia is a respected member of the New York underground scene, known for his work with La Otracina for Holy Mountain and Ultramarine Records. His co-conspirator Silvia Kastel was a willing participant in his Ninni Morgia Control Unit, and together they've also collaborated with eminent avant-garde duo Kommissar Hjuler und Mama Baer. On 'The Fugitives' they drag us on a downward spiral of tranquilized, corrupted and multitracked guitar and minimal synth noise layered with vocals ranging from suggestive growls to etheric ventilations and unconscious poetics. We're distinctly reminded of Sasha Grey's Atelecine or Nik Void's Factory Floor appearances on the murky episode 'Again', while 'Live In Your Mind' is a possible descendant of 'Hamburger Lady'. However they're most interesting when enmeshed in the druggily smudged lattice of overgrown FX on 'Don't Go Out', while the visceral, viscous textures of final track 'The Fugitives' has the feel of blasted early concrete, ideal for uncomfortable listens after over-indulgent sessions. Really strong debut - recommended.(Boomkat)