STERPI: Algorithmic Love (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

If the world has recently experienced upheavals that have shaken it, the digital revolution has not yet delivered all its consequences. Just like the industrial revolution in the 19th century, the revolution of algorithms and artificial intelligence is changing the face of society. This is what Sterpi wanted to evoke in this new album "Algorithmic Love" with its 30 tracks.

The elusive artist, always so free and without concession, delivers a record of an incredible generosity and in a two-headed shape between a first part rather electronic and rock fusion (machine) and a second more organic (human). If Pink Floyd sang 'Welcome To The Machine', Sterpi enters directly in his first part by leaning on a rock base ('Mutation part 1') while adding some synthetic effects typical of the 80's which color the whole with a nostalgic charm. Like a red thread, the musician disseminates some small interludes taking back the computer binary code which replaces the human relations to the profit of a colder language. This first CD synthesizes rather well this fusion of the genres that Sterpi flies over with brilliance. Some parts remind a bit Prince ('(Send Me) More Data' with its beautiful horns), others are more dynamic, almost heavy ('Being Of The Future part 2') with a rather garage sound. Our talented musician experiments and manages, despite this variety, to remain coherent.

The second part opens on notes of piano and calms down the game of a first rather electric CD. It is thus this instrument which will dominate, Sterpi bringing more organic sounds in this continuation. The guitar remains of course present and the notes distilled in the manner of Steve Hackett add a surplus of emotions. The track 'Reminiscense' demonstrates that a few chords are enough to make you shiver... Sterpi brings a more humanistic side (with whistles in 'Midday', which oscillates between classical and music of the 30's), more fragile also by its calm and posed moments. One also thinks sometimes of Elton John when the piano becomes mutinous ('My Favourite Day'). But the artist puts a personal patina and transcends all his influences.

This double album is very surprising by its concept, its realization and its composition. Sterpi succeeds in proposing rather concise titles with the right note or the small riff which bring a surplus of relief to retain the attention. If the concept was to put in perspective the electric and the electro, symbolizing the technology which surrounds us and from which we have difficulty to escape, the bet is amply successful. It is thus more than advised to be interested in this "Algorithmic Love" which realizes the exploit to be varied, coherent and accessible. - Official website

STERPI

ALGORITHMIC LOVE

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK