Torba remains a reactive project. Not to respond to a sound or react to a popular genre, but to reconsider how we perceive clean noise. Luigi Pianezzola, the brains behind II, has countered the work he produced by evolving sound which would not make the cut. This is as mighty a soundscape as it gets. Pianezzola, under the Torba name, has plotted a moody and sinister set of heavy instrumentals. Prelude provides both a sensitivity and a cold glare, this sense of finding new sound in the antithesis of what Pianezzola produces. These are not at-ease sounds. This is a sporadically volatile piece of work which leans into distinct synth work, the frenetic production which carries it all. Pianezzola is well-placed in this studio of factory-like noise, the gliding, instrumental style, while cold, still has an open-hearted intent.
Double bill Deal and Punto is as caring as II gets. Punchy work with no restraint, only a glance at how these tones can be manipulated. What occurs is a dance-punk-like experience where the heaviness of these electronics forms a base for slick, subtle instrumentals. A bassline through Punto may not be the standout moment but it is the glue holding all these momentous, riotous pieces together. Unruliness is not a negative. A lack of discipline for Torba means inventing on the spot, inviting the creative process to explore through a series of flashing lights and sparks of instrumental power. There is a raw nature to it, an adrenalin which continues through II without so much as a hint of letting up. Only when Pianezzola calls time on it, the interlude providing a moment for reflection before some softer tones introduce themselves, can II rest.
II is an album of spiteful hedonism. Torba makes it clear this is the case, and what a joy it is to hear this evolve. Lead single Wire certainly gets the spirit of this, those club-thumping noises and the rattle of anxiety heard off in the distance lead to a real high for II. These are songs with no start or end. Energetic billing which, by starting in what feels like its centre, skips the preamble and throws you onto the dancefloor, into the stained booth where contemplation begins overwhelming the self-indulgence. II nails this feeling and all the highs and lows which come from it. II is not without fault, but that is the point. Pianezzola is pushing these songs to their limit and often, they are taken too far. It remains interesting to hear it when it happens, on Lies, for instance. But the comedown after so many loveless clubbing nights is essential.
Those latter moments, the softer spots of brief reflection, drive the point of II home. Onda and Sides is a magnificent double pairing. II becomes an instrumental album which weaves a narrative but leaves wide-open spots for your experiences to fill the gaps. This is not because Pianezzola has nothing to add, but because the pleasure-seeking thrills are personal. The Torba project is an ambitious one because of its lack of detail. All it can do is place markers down for where the adrenalin flows, for where the peak of these late nights and atmospheric days are, and what to do when it all comes apart. II is a messy punch of instrumental flavour. As intense as it gets, and for many it will be enough to scare you into taking action. What action that is, who knows? Torba gets you there regardless.
