Review: Divus ‘Divus 3’

Immersing oneself into the icy abyss of Rome’s urban cinematic experimental visceral jazz duo Divus‘ musical darkness is like revelling in the exquisite agony of intense, shadowy delights. It’s that moment when you find yourself consumed by a tidal wave of euphoric, yet gut-wrenching sensations – a strange amalgamation of pleasure and pain that permeates your very being.

Hailing from the depths of musical hell, Divus, (a word that comes from the Latin term ‘Divino’, meaning divine, something that the duo concerned doesn’t claim, at least not in the traditional sense) combine the haunting and excruciating saxophone visceral gusts of Luca Mai from ZU (an experimental noise jazz band from Rome, which has been releasing albums since 1999) and the intense techno noise ambient sound explorations of Calabria, Southern Italy born, now Rome based Luciano Lamanna, creates a musical experience that is truly outside the norm. Their collaboration has resulted in an unsettling soundscape that challenges typical listening.

When you first encounter their music, it feels as though you are entrapped in a shadowy world, where every note reverberates like a heartbeat in a quiet, dark room. The intense and fierce ambience they create is capable of dragging you into a space that is rife with tension and anticipation. Their partnership is not about harmony; instead, it thrives on discord and the raw energy of sound, capturing our attention with a mixture of curiosity and fear.

Already with their debut album, Divus, released in 1997, they set the tone for an eerie journey into the unknown. The music oscillates between ethereal whispers and aggressive saxophone eruptions, designed to keep anyone who dares to listen on edge. This album is a harrowing journey through cavernous ambient spaces punctuated by ferocious industrial rhythms and visceral saxophone blasts that tear at your being, leaving you gasping for breath in a void of sensorial despair that functions like a haunting narrative, taking you through layers of unsettling atmospheres. The hypnotic beats layered beneath the sax’s chaotic melodies create a gripping sound that leaves you clamouring for an understanding of its depth and complexity.

In 2020, their follow-up album, Divus 2, escalated their exploration of sound even further, plunging deeper into the realms of despair and isolation. The music feels like a relentless tide, dragging those who listen into their own darkest fears and thoughts. Each sound is meticulously crafted to evoke intense emotions, drawing you into a place where loneliness feels tangible. It’s not easy to listen to; it demands your full attention and resilience as it strips away comfort and familiarity. The experience is both unsettling and enlightening, forcing you to confront what is hidden within.

After five long years, during which saw them working on their separate projects, the duo finally returns with their new work, Divus 3. This latest album represents a deep commitment to a unique musical vision, one that embodies patience and solemnity. As listeners, we step into a world where every note is carefully sculpted, creating an atmosphere rich in emotional depth.

a harrowing exploration of the human condition, echoing a sense of shared struggle and solitude in a chaotic world…

Luca’s saxophone captures a profound sense of suffering. His every breath seems to reflect the heartache and struggles that lie beneath the surface, crafting a narrative that resonates with anyone who has felt lost or abandoned. The way he channels his emotions through the instrument draws us into his experience, allowing us to feel his pain as if it were our own.

The soundscapes crafted by Luciano are equally compelling. He weaves dark ambient textures that complement the expressive saxophone work, creating a haunting backdrop that feels alive with emotion. The music flows into a space of introspection, where every track paints a vivid picture of the human experience.

For instance, track F2 captures the essence of suffocation, evoking feelings of being trapped in a world that feels both heavy and isolating. Meanwhile, E4 transports us to a place of solemn prayer, where the Arabic influences weave a picture of suffering and hope. It’s as if Luciano’s ambient sounds are whispering to us, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

As you immerse yourself in the sonic landscape crafted by this enigmatic and enterprising musical duo, an uncanny sense of familiarity begins to wash over you, even upon first listen. Though their sound is undeniably fresh and inventive, one can’t help but detect the unmistakable presence of musical echoes and reminiscences woven throughout the fabric of their compositions.

The ghostly traces of influential artists like B-Shops ForThe Poor, Tim Hecker, Pan Sonic, and even the legendary Autechre seem to haunt the edges of perception, informing and enriching the listening experience without ever overshadowing the unique vision at play. It’s a delicate balancing act, to be sure, but one that they pull off with both reverence and daring.

One remarkable aspect of Divus 3 is how each track is simply identified by a letter and a number, leaving title-giving in the hands of listeners. This choice encourages us to engage personally with the music, inviting us to define our own emotional responses. As we listen, we might find ourselves connecting the sounds to our own stories, naming the tracks based on how they resonate with our feelings. This freedom to interpret transforms the listening experience into a deeply personal journey.

Each note, each sound, becomes a part of our own narrative, allowing the album to serve not just as art, but as a mirror reflecting our own experiences, fears and moments of beauty. The emotional journey Divus offers is not only music but a harrowing exploration of the human condition, echoing a sense of shared struggle and solitude in a chaotic world.

Label: Subsound Records
Band Links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo