by Kris Handel (@khandel84)
Sogni Is the third release from Primo!, a quartet from Melbourne, Australia who follow a nervy yet very groovable path laid down by impressively flexible musicianship. This is the follow up to highly acclaimed debut full length Amici from 2018 and shows off some new tricks learned in the interim. Where the debut was full of brittle and fairly acerbic post-punk influenced garage punk, Sogni shows a little more flexibility and space for bouncy and constantly shifting rhythms for Xanthe Waite and Violetta Del Conte-Race’s guitars to slice through. There is also a little bit of a brighter experimental approach that plays well with the solid foundations that the band has laid down beforehand.
“Perfect Paper” starts off with a melodic guitar-riff reminiscent of early Gang of Four before giving way to harmonized vocals and finding a majestic groove with impressively strong drumming from Suzanne Walker. There is an irresistible danceability that never gives way as guitars duel with each other intermittently, which highlights the contrasting vocals somehow bordering on snotty while maintaining an ethereal framework. “1000 Words” is an up tempo and brittle little workout with frantic drum work that drops in and out between vocals that are hypnotizing. There is a bit of a surprising stop towards the end before jumping bass and swirling distortion pop in only to change course once again with skronking jazzy horns before fading to nothingness.
“Machine” is a compelling exercise in ramping up tension to the point of snapping without ever truly giving into the impulse. Propulsive bass provided by Amy Hill manages to interlock with waves of crashing cymbals while she repeatedly chimes “Machine, Machine, Machine” throughout the chorus. Guitars impart twisting and bending melodies over the steady and unwavering rhythm section. “Present” starts off with twitchy and nervous guitars that cut through rolling drum fills and puffy cloudlike keyboard without ever truly settling in. Here Primo! show off their jittery and anxious side while maintaining a coy playfulness that leaves an indelible impression.
Sogni is a record that has a propulsive movement throughout it that plays with multiple moods and emotions in a thoroughly compelling manner. There are moments of bright bubbly dancy punk but also a darker and more developed undercurrent of exploration and intrigue that refuses to get overshadowed. Primo! have made a record that has taken humongous strides forward in a way that still maintains a homeyness and warmth that will keep old fans pleased while allowing for a bit more expression and riveting detail. There is a complexity to everything on this record and layers upon layers to be pulled back that reveal something flowering, unique and exciting.