It was not to be expected differently. As they already proved with their special live release Odos eis Ouranum ATARAXIA are a guarantor for beautiful music with an artistically approach and loads of variety. No wonder the Italian neoclassic-legend has already two decades under its belt. So it’s time to look back and also forth. Thus Arcana Eco traces the long career of the formation around the legendary voice Francesca Nicoli on one hand in a musical way and on the other hand by a 150 pages thick book.
The total time of the CD is short - only 35 minutes. As a retrospection of the manifold œuvre of the Italians the compilation should be more extensive. Instead three new recordings of older songs from different creative periods beside four new tracks got a chance. Especially the latter are reason enough to buy the opulently designed package. The opener Cobalt draws a picture full of melancholy by using atmospheric synths and trumpets, which reminds me of the zenith of Death In June, of cause until the voice of Francesca Nicoli manoeuvres the song intro a totally different direction. The later following Mirsilio has a lightly more martial approach, which is supported by a versatile voice to the point to severe tones until softer parts gently flatter your ear. Another highlight: A fiery flamenco (Fire In The Wood) is an extraordinary counterpoint to the remaining, rather dreamy songs. The remakes of the older songs are comparatively unspectacular. But this doesn’t derogate the musical quality of the songs. Poupre Et d’Argent, which cavorts in the traditional neoclassical baroque era, sticks out most likely.
But now something to the book: designed very well and garnished with many photos worth seeing by Livio Bedeschi it gives a detailed overview of the band’s career especially for newbies who want to know more about the ATARAXIA. It’s just a pity that the musical part is with a total time of 35 minutes a little on the short side.