Review: Da Captain Trips ‘In Between’
With a robust discography that includes five full-length albums, an EP, a live album, and collaborations like the split with Sendelica, Northern Italian instrumental cinematic psych post-rock quartet Da Captain Trips has certainly made their mark in the Italian underground music scene and beyond since they got together in 2009. Their journey through sound feels like an adventurous voyage, hinting at the vast oceans of creativity and inspiration they have yet to explore.
Instead of resting on their recognition, they continually chart new territories, combining different elements of their genre to create immersive musical landscapes. Each release is a new chapter, in which they show their relentless dedication to evolving and refining their sound. The band’s music exudes a calm yet captivating atmosphere, drawing us into a cinematic sound world.
Riccardo Cavicchia’s guitar work flows seamlessly, mixing poignant melodies with explosive bursts of energy. This blend creates an emotional undertow that keeps you engaged from start to finish. Meanwhile, Federico Chiappa’s bass anchors the compositions, providing depth that complements the layered sound. Tommaso Villa’s drumming adds a unique twist, expertly balancing moments of tranquillity with sudden bursts of intensity. Together, their combined efforts form a rich, textured sound that is anything but predictable. Paolo ‘Apollo’ Negri, the keyboardist, adds a touch of ethereal beauty with his melodic lines and atmospheric tones. His contributions create a spacey, dreamlike quality that enhances the band’s overall sound.
This creative synergy among the four musicians illustrates that their artistry reaches far beyond mere technical skill; it represents a shared vision that guides each listening experience. Their fearless spirit in crafting new sounds ensures that they remain an exciting and evolving presence in the ever-changing landscape of instrumental music. It’s with the release of their third album, the 2017 release Adventures In The Upside Down, that the band shows an exciting new realm of musical creativity. This work is infused with cinematic sound elements that transport you to another world, reminiscent, at times, of the legendary Pink Floyd, if I may say. With soaring melodies and layered instrumentation, it creates an atmosphere that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Fast forward five years, and the band returned after a whirlwind of concerts, festivals, and rehearsals, bringing to life their best work yet, with their fourth and last album for the notable Genoa prog rock label VE Recordings, Maths Of The Elements, released in 2022. This album stands out as a tribute to the beauty of nature and its various facets. Each piece is a labour of love, exploring themes like rivers, deserts, clouds, and water, reflecting the eternal creation around us. The musicians skilfully blend their sounds to mirror the serenity and complexity of the natural world, turning every track into a vivid musical portrait.
On the album, the music tells a story, expressing the emotions tied to nature and its many elements. Each movement unfolds gently, like a soothing instrumental romance, capturing the essence of our planet. As you listen, it’s as if each note carries the whispers of the wind, the rush of a river, or the warmth of sunlight. It’s an invitation to reflect on the love and inspiration nature provides. The thoughtful arrangement and heartfelt performances draw you in, making it a sentimental journey through the wonders of the world we live in.
Three years after their last release, the quartet returns with a serene spirit, bringing a fresh sense of awareness to their music. In Between, their fifth full-length and first for Rome’s Subsound Records, takes us on board on an introspective journey that feels both soothing and profound. With each note, the musicians create a landscape of sound that explores the shadows of our lives and the mysteries that surround us.
This album acts as a gentle guide, leading us into a world filled with both darkness and light, inviting us to embrace the moments in between. The theme across the near forty-minute runtime is inspired by The Tibetan Book of the Dead, which adds a unique depth to In Between. The quartet captures the essence of this ancient text, inviting those who listen to consider the transitions we all face in life and the afterlife.
The quartet’s ability to convey such intricate emotions through their instruments speaks volumes about their creativity…
Each track immerses us in a soundscape that feels both timeless and enigmatic, encouraging contemplation, just like it is expressed on opener Die. It comes to us with gentle rhythms and ethereal melodies until it explodes into a feast of vitalised sounds, taking us to a place where time has no end. Here, we find ourselves wrapped in a warm embrace of sonority that creates a comfortable space for introspection and discovery.
The album features six tracks, each one a distinct journey through their way of expressing wordless tales, rich with soulful melodies and psychedelic instrumentation. The musicians blend different styles, creating a field of audio that feels expansive and immersive. As the music unfolds, it’s like we are invited to let go of our worries and escape into the depths of our imagination.
On Whispers, each note, carefully played and thoughtfully arranged, resonates within us as if they were words whispered by souls from the afterlife, stirring hidden emotions and thoughts that take over us on every breath we take. The power of their music lies in its ability to connect with our innermost selves, prompting us to reflect and dream.
As In Between flows from one track to the next, the experience becomes almost transcendent. The quartet masterfully intertwines light and dark, reflecting the complexities of life’s journey. The music guides us through moments of joy, sadness, and everything in between, creating a rich emotional landscape. With every chord delivered, there is a sense of connection to the unknown and the mysteries of existence. It’s like stepping into a dream where shadows dance and light flickers, reminding us that life is a balance of opposites.
Tracks like Spiralis, Back To Sargassian, Land Of Shades, and the closing Lotus are music inspiration and quite involving. These are songs that ooze with a musical ferment so entangled and free at the same time. These four guys work their bones off, letting the sweat wash away the melancholy that, at times, pervades inside every touch of each instrument.
What needs to be said is that with In Between, the band shares experiences that speak to the heart and soul. They have crafted a beautiful piece of art that resonates deeply, allowing us to explore the delicate interplay of darkness and light. Their music feels like an invitation to a space where we can all come together and reflect on our experiences, fears and hopes.
With each listen, we are reminded of the beauty of the unknown and the importance of finding peace within ourselves as we journey through life. The quartet’s ability to convey such intricate emotions through their instruments speaks volumes about their creativity, making this album a meaningful exploration of life, death, and everything in between.
Label: Subsound Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
