At first, one might be puzzled by this compilation. Ten tracks from a total of five musicians* in different constellations? Sounds somehow incestuous. But the matter clears up when you take a closer look at what is hidden behind the Latin name »Extra Muros«. This »outside the (city) walls« is a residency program that brings together several artists for two weeks in changing countries. For the Italy stop, Castello Normanno-Svevo in Puglia was the place where Italian producers Eva Geist, Jolly Mare and Dona met Frenchman Benoit B and singer and producer Dena from Germany. Strictly speaking, Eva Geist also came from Germany, as she lives in Berlin, just like Dena. In keeping with the different interests of those involved – herbaceous sound growths for Eva Geist, club formats for Dona, R’n’B and hip hop for Dena – the result turned out to be quite diverse. Although instrumental numbers predominate, some with meandering synthesizer sounds and restrained breakbeat, others like »Acid Jam« with straightforward rhythm, there are also approaches of discreet pop songs among the numbers with Dena. A slight impression of arbitrariness arises about it, which is reflected in the a touch too amicably unexcited music. Probably the exchange was more invigorating for the participants in the end than the somewhat like a compulsory exercise recorded result.
Extra Muros - Italy
