THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM, the highly anticipated second album from GINTSUGI, is a testament to the artist's exceptional musicality. This nine-track journey delves deep into the heart of human experience, reflecting a rich tapestry of emotions and diverse sounds.
GINTSUGI's instrumental artistry takes centre stage as she masterfully crafts a sonic landscape in her home studio, utilising a Native sound library, Moog synthesisers and the violin of Eymeric Anselem. The result is a mesmerising blend of velvety, hallucinatory art/pop and a post-rock sound reminiscent of the 1990s. Each track is a little world itself, illuminating various facets of reality, from the complexity of love to the consequences of resource consumption and addiction.
The instrumental arrangements are nothing short of captivating. "Mon Coeur" opens with epic string melodies and haunting French vocals, creating a cinematic atmosphere. "Hex" ensnares listeners with growling bass, distorted vocals and menacing piano chords. "Karma Water" paints vivid landscapes through instrumentals, while "Water Came" layers vocal harmonies over folk-inspired chants and cello notes, creating a beautiful but unsettling aura. "Complete" is a piano ballad that showcases GINTSUGI's soft vocals and "Lilac Wine" offers a tranquil ambiance with falsetto vocals, strings and piano.
Beyond the music, the album is enhanced by stunning illustrations by visual artists Giuliano Sgroi and Gabriele Barbagallo, creating a visual universe that complements the soundscape. The 3D album cover, featuring a woman in dialogue with an invisible elephant, aptly mirrors the album's title, addressing the unspoken problems that affect us all.
With this album, GINTSUGI invites us to embark on a journey through the human psyche, daring us to embrace our imperfections and vulnerabilities, ultimately transforming them into strengths.
