okum004: Oniria by Physalia

This issue is dedicated to one of our recent releases — a work we truly care about, but that might have passed beneath the radar.

Physalia’s debut album, Oniria has been released in May this year and it embraces much of what defines our musical vision:

It’s easy to listen to but still left-field and unconventional in its own way.
It flows with simple melodies nestled within smart harmony and handcrafted arrangements. It is minimal yet powerful, pop but not predictable and marked by highly performative imprint of Physalia’s voice - full of nuances and contrasts with a strong imaginative set.

Oniria’s set up is minimal but rich in tones and shades: an old upright piano, a prepared drum, FM synths, a bunch of wooden sticks and random objects build the sonic character of the work, pushing the record in the baroque/chamber pop territory.

Behind this music there is ARIANNA PEGORARO (Pordenone, 1998) a pianist, vocalist and music therapist who found in songwriting a way to dive into her subconscious and use sounds to decoding her dreams.

The album was produced by MANUEL VOLPE and NICOLAS REMONDINO - both also with Massimo Silverio and has been recorded in Turin in April 2024. Artwork and photos by Maja Ceschin.

RUMORE
«La vulnerabilità che diventa comunicazione potente. Il sogno come sostanza di tangibile fascino. Prezioso esordio.»

ROCKERILLA
«Un ottimo lavoro dal fascino cinematografico che oscilla tra incanto, sogno e incubo.
Debutto prezioso.»

SENTIREASCOLTARE
«Oniria si presenta così come un sottile arazzo di tessiture bizzarre, è il tumulto ipnotico di una giovane donna musicato con precisione e maestosa eleganza.»

ONDAROCK
«Oniria può ricordare la Björk più contemplativa, o una Fiona Apple meno carnale, ma è forse più vicino alla complessa intimità di PJ Harvey in “White Chalk”.»