Hugo Race & Michelangelo Russo - 100 Years [Gusstaff Records]

Scheduled for release on October 11th, 2k24 via the Poland-based Gusstaff Records imprint is "100 Years", the latest collaboration album recorded in a two day stint in late 2k23 by Hugo Race and Michelangelo Russo. Both accomplished musicians in their own right their sophomore duo collaboration draws inspiration from raw and partially twangy Blues and DeltaBlues which are fused with what seems, at least at first glance, the polar opposite of the genre - electronic textures. But as the old saying of 'opposites attract' proves right once again we see the guitar and vulnerable vocals of the opening track "100 Years" float effortlessly atop of washed out electronic atmospheres and what can be best described as a fusion pulse comprised of late late night DeepHouse infused by elements of Romantic House x SlowHouse and DubTechno whilst "Lost Children" is as haunting and atmospheric as its title suggests before the subsequent "Somebody Help Me" and its slow continuous rhythm signature take the listener on a literal (road)trip crossing dry, barren lands and lonely, dead straight highways for miles on end. Furthermore "Earths Answer" provides almost Ambient-infused textures and echo'ing guitar minimalisms alongside an intimate vocal performance, the "War Outside My Window" is surprisingly calm and inward-looking and evokes memories of being in a psychedelia-induced dream state of sorts with its playful guitar solo improvisations whereas the precisely sculpted drum sounds and repetetive synth pulse of "Eternal City" bring a certain darkness and hypnotic intensity to the table before the closing cut that is "Golden Times" provides instrumental closure in a peaceful, slightly kitsch-driven and almost esoteric, 80s-leaning manner for those who still remember terms like Muzak and EsoAmbient for a reason. Defo a recommended album, this.