photo courtesy of Simon Scardanelli

by RST, Contributing Blogger

Single Review of Simon Scardanelli: “It Really Is a Pity”

Genre-defying, retro-futuristic, or just plain anar-chronistic, “It Really Is a Pity” is a surprising and entrancing new release from Simon Scardanelli which takes the listener on a voyage to a mysterious point in spacetime. Simon’s early influences of Kraftwerk, Brian Eno, and Vangelis glimmer through the track as he continues to play with the inexhaustible human fascination for machine-made synth sounds. As a comment on the state of humanity, it remains true to Simon’s consistent message throughout his catalogue – we might not quite be on the right path.

image courtesy of Simon Scardanelli

The track starts in an eerie, empty place, with a lone alien machine voice broadcasting, somehow emotively, the pitiful state of affairs.  Imagine Daleks, but sensitive, and vulnerable. A constellation of strange, familiar, and beautiful sounds create an enthralling dimensionality for the track, and the listener can’t help but groove in assent while they’re being judged. Despite the verdict, this song is neither bitter nor angry, but instead presents a possible perception of our reality with clarity and understatement. The song pays off, and as the aliens announce their necessary departure (probably something to do with the “dangerous mad men in charge”) the drop will have you dancing to your own damnation, and wishing these aliens well as they get out of Dodge. Can I come with?

[Editor’s Note: The reviewer is Simon’s daughter, but that I love what she wrote and agree completely with her assessment of his music and this single. -GW]

Upcoming Events

You can find Simon’s upcoming performances via his Songkick listings. It currently lists a single upcoming show, Friday, August 14th at Café de la Forge in Guillac, France.