Album Review: Agosto14 by Roberto Begini
Released in 2015 under the Italian label Oak Editions, Agosto14 is an intriguing dive into the abstract and ambient realms of electronic music. Crafted entirely by Roberto Begini—who composed, recorded, mixed, and essentially breathed life into this project—the album feels like a deeply personal exploration of soundscapes that blur the lines between experimentalism and introspection. With Francesco Giannico contributing to the artwork, the visual element complements the auditory experience perfectly, creating a cohesive package that draws you in from the start.
The genre tags here—abstract, ambient, experimental—are no exaggeration. This isn’t your typical "put it on while working" kind of record; it demands attention. Tracks like “FIELD 1 - SCALA DEI TURCHI” and “FIELD 3 - SOLITUDO” stand out for their ability to transport listeners into distinct emotional landscapes without relying on traditional song structures or lyrics.
“FIELD 1 - SCALA DEI TURCHI,” named after the stunning limestone cliffs in Sicily, opens with a delicate interplay of textures—a soft hum, faint crackles, and distant echoes that feel almost tactile. It’s as if Begini has captured the essence of standing at the edge of those cliffs, wind brushing against your skin, the sea stretching endlessly before you. There’s a rawness to the composition, like he didn’t overthink it but instead let the environment shape the track organically. You remember it because it doesn’t just play—it unfolds around you.
On the other hand, “FIELD 3 - SOLITUDO” takes a more introspective turn. The title itself hints at solitude, and the music delivers on that promise. Sparse tones float through empty spaces, punctuated by moments of dissonance that evoke unease yet never fully tip into discomfort. It’s haunting, yes, but also oddly comforting, like being alone in a vast desert where silence becomes both companion and adversary. The way Begini manipulates space within this track lingers long after the final note fades.
What makes Agosto14 so memorable is its refusal to conform. It doesn’t try to be catchy or accessible—it exists purely to explore the boundaries of what electronic music can do. And honestly? That’s refreshing. In a world saturated with formulaic beats and predictable drops, Begini reminds us that sometimes, the most impactful sounds are the ones we have to sit with, unpack, and maybe even wrestle with a little.
One thing worth mentioning (and forgive me for getting sidetracked here) is how flawlessly the production ties everything together. Every layer feels intentional, every silence deliberate. It’s clear Begini poured his soul into this, and it shows.
If I had to leave you with one thought, though, it’d be this: listening to Agosto14 feels less like hearing an album and more like wandering through someone’s mind during a particularly reflective August day. Coincidence? Maybe. Or maybe there’s something about midsummer heat that brings out the experimental tendencies in all of us. Either way, give it a spin—you might just find yourself lost in its beauty too.
