PINHDAR returns with the highly anticipated second album, ’A Sparkle On The Dark Water,’ a new chapter in the personal journey of the Italian duo composed of singer Cecilia Miradoli and guitarist/producer MaxTarenzi. An intense, contemplative, and dark work, yet not resigned, navigating through trip-hop, dream-pop, dark-wave, and electronica. Preceded in recent weeks by the singles ’Humans’, ’Little Light’ and ‘Frozen Roses’ and their extraordinary videos directed by filmmaker Telavaya Reynolds and Marco Molinelli, the album is released on vinyl and CD by the English label Fruits de Mer Records, as well as in digital format.
The album is an intimate reflection on the meaning of human existence and what can still be done, both privately and to others, to ignite a spark in the dark waters into which the planet Earth is increasingly sinking. Musically, PINHDAR continue their unique artistic journey, evolving from their first significant album “Parallel”(Fruits de Mer Records, 2021), produced with Howie B. They blend deep trip-hop rhythms with dark wave guitar textures, dream pop reverberations, and enveloping synthetic electronics. In ’A Sparkle On The Dark Water,’ they depart from the minimalism of their previous work, layering their sound. Cecilia’s voice is no longer alone in the forefront but is immersed in dreamlike sonic landscapes drawn by guitars and synths that, at times, take the lead, guiding her through hypnotic instrumental evolutions. In other moments, they dance around her while she whispers her intimate visions with depth.
Curiosity: While they were working on the album in England, PINHDAR met James Johnston. The London-based painter and musician, known for founding Gallon Drunk and collaborating with artists such as Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Lydia Lunch, Faust, and currently touring with PJ Harvey, honors them by gifting the image of one of his paintings for use as the cover of their new record.
The new album will be presented to the public on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, at Arci Bellezza in Milan with the first live performance of the tour. The tour’s initial dates: 4/5 – Blah Blah in Turin, 4/18 – Glitch Soundclub in Rome, 4/27 – Spazioporto in Taranto, 6/28 – String Theory Music Festival in Lendinara, 7/6 – Kasamatta Emingway in Catanzaro, 8/2 – Dr Sardonicus Psych Festival in Cardigan, UK, and 8/3 – CWRW in Carmarthen, UK.
PINHDAR are an Italian duo composed of singer Cecilia Miradoli and guitarist/producer Max Tarenzi. Born out of experiences in the rock band Nomoredolls and the organisation of the international musical festival A Night Like This, they explore the fusion of trip-hop, dark wave, and electronica with originality, influenced by the Bristol scene. Their eponymous debut EP in 2019 received praise from the British critics, with the single ‘Toy’ broadcasted on major radios like KEXP. In 2021, they released their first album, ‘Parallel,’ with the collaboration of legendary producer Howie B, published by Fruits de Mer Records. The European tour included prestigious venues such as Stereolux in Nantes and Dr Sardonicus Psych Fest in the UK. In 2023, they completed the new album ‘A Sparkle On The Dark Water’ with producer Bruno Ellingham, a former Massive Attack and Portishead collaborator.
CREDITS
Produced by Max Tarenzi
- Additional production and mixing by Bruno Ellingham at Riverside Studios, Bath (UK)
Mastering by Shawn Joseph at Optimum Mastering, Bristol (UK)
Performed by PINHDAR – Julian Bayliss
| String arrangements on “Solanin”
Music | Cecilia Miradoli, Max Tarenzi
- Lyrics | Cecilia Miradoli
Cover Artwork | “Lake House” painted by James Johnston
Photos | Agnese Carbone
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Pinhdar
https://www.instagram.com/pinhdar/?hl=en
High Violet PR
