Sleep Talking Shared

Sleep Talking Shared, Comfort's second record, sees the Italian band reduced to a core of two multi-instrumentalists: drummer/guitarist/programmer Alessandro Baris and keyboardist Leonardo Chirulli. However, a string of guests appear here and there, adding bass, flute, viola, and even a touch of vocals on one track. Sleep Talking Shared is a finely crafted instrumental journey that takes you from Tortoise-influenced post-rock to Cinematic Orchestra-like electro-jazz. The music is easygoing but well composed and exquisitely arranged. Chirulli's playing on the electric piano is mellow, atmospheric even, without losing a certain fusion-jazz-meets-Ennio Morricone feel, if that makes any sense. His instrument provides the album's signature sound. "Shape" and "Stammering Valves" are two strong pieces in the "active post-rock" vein (overall, this album leaves little room for shoegazing or introspection), while "Contemporary Nocturne" is the electro-jazz highlight of the set, with a flute (performed by Donato Epiro) that, strangely, would have fit on Maneige's Libre-Service LP. Melodic and driving, though also ambient and richly detailed, Sleep Talking Shared is more than enjoyable, it's promising. ~ François Couture, Rovi