Creta — Creta

New Italian trio Creta launches their debut LP on German label, Karlrecords. Comprising three different, but very talented musicians (guitarist Roberto Zanisi, DJ/electronic musician Luciano Lamanna, and bassist Massimo LPupillo), Creta brings forth an engaging, atmospheric bit of ambient that, despite their new formation, feels very seasoned and tight. Managing to be both Earthly and otherworldly, Creta has intricate layers and goes by quickly, so multiple listens are required in order to absorb it fully.

With just three tracks totaling a little over one half hour, Creta gets a lot done in a little amount of time. Opening far off in the distance, "...and Everything That Shines" streaks forth over the horizon like a cold, electronic, alien sunrise. As the dawn fades, vestiges of Earth begin to appear in the form of Zanisi's slowly plucked strings. The folky guitar work stands in stark contrast to the oscillating, gurgling electronics breathing in the background, and really showcases the strength of Creta's approach. Lower, and a bit more straight forwardly Earthy, "Babe in the Egg of Blue" has a cthonic hum, and the wistful guitar notes give the feeling of a deep forest amble. With more strings present than in the preceding track, "Babe" lets more of the emotion show. Interestingly, this also has a very crisp and cold electronic finish, and exhibits both styles nicely. Following a similar pattern to the first two tracks, the closer, "Future Humans in Form of Aur" beings with atmospheric electronics and accented, almost frog-like notes before the sentimental strings move out from the depths. The bowed bits are a new treat and add a certain alien charm before the hand plucked notes once again join the fray. Ending with the focus on these strings helps to reinforce the emotion of the album and the journey that the listener just completed.

Creta's first LP, Creta, is a wonderful mix of electronics and clean, distinct strings. A subtle approach to ambient atmospheres, Creta is a great example of getting more from less. Well planned and well recorded, these interesting layers pack a punch, and do so deftly and without a heavy hand. Creta's debut offering is a delight and hopefully the first of many to come.