Armonite
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Paolo Fosso, Jacopo Bigi |
| Defunct | 1999 |
| Fate | Disbanded |
| Successor | Reformed in 2015 |
| Headquarters | Pavia , Italy |
| Products | Instrumental rock music, albums, soundtracks |
Armonite is an instrumental rock ensemble originating from Pavia, Italy. Their first album, The Sun Is New Each Day, recorded at Abbey Road Studios and released in 2016, includes contributions from Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin. In 2018, their sophomore album, And the Stars Above, was issued by Cleopatra Records. The group is also noted for their work on soundtrack interpretations. According to The Huffington Post, they are described as "engaging, mesmerizing, and deserving of attention."
Career
The band was initially formed in 1996 during their university years and launched their debut album in 1999 before disbanding shortly after. Founders Paolo Fosso and Jacopo Bigi reunited in 2015 to produce The Sun Is New Each Day, collaborating with Colin Edwin and Jasper Barendregt. They brought on board producer Paul Reeve, recognized for his collaborations with Muse, Steve Harley, and The Beta Band. The mastering process took place at Abbey Road Studios.
Their composition 'Blue Curaçao' received Honorable Mentions in both the Instrumental and Performance categories at the 2017 International Songwriting Competition, which featured judges such as Tom Waits, Lorde, and Bastille.
And the Stars Above was released on May 25, 2018, through Cleopatra Records and was actively promoted within the Japanese market.
Critical reception
Reviews for Armonite have been predominantly favorable. The Big Takeover characterized their music as "a creation nearly unparalleled in today's music scene." The Seattle Post-Intelligencer compared the band to a sonic kaleidoscope, suggesting a scenario where "Liberace, Mozart, and Canada's Rush convened for a jam session."
music-news.com referred to Armonite as "a dynamic and emotionally resonant example of imaginative, collaborative artistry." After the release of And the Stars Above, Prog (magazine) commended it as "an album worthy of acclaim." Similarly, Heathen Harvest highlighted the band's adventurous approach reminiscent of Premiata Forneria Marconi, noting a distinctive contemporary prog innovation.
Discography
- The Sun Is New Each Day
- And the Stars Above