Franco Nanni - Elicoide (2021)

Elicoide is Franco Nanni’s debut solo album, originally created in 1986–1987 and reissued in 2021. This work is a mesmerizing blend of minimalist electronics, inspired by biology and the concept of life as a self-replicating mechanism. Built on synthesizers like the Prophet 5 and Yamaha DX7, the music creates a hypnotic atmosphere that Nanni describes as an “ascetic trance.” The album opens with the expansive track “Mitochondria,” where layered chimes and strings intertwine with programmed metallophones, evoking natural processes. Influences from Balinese gamelan and Steve Reich’s minimalism lend the work a unique texture, while Paolo Grandi’s contrabass adds organic warmth.

Tracklist:
1-1 Franco Nanni - Mitochondria [16:01]
1-2 Franco Nanni - Interludio Con Dedica [2:23]
1-3 Franco Nanni - Elicoide [10:51]
1-4 Franco Nanni - Linfociti [4:08]
1-5 Franco Nanni - Mitosi [7:01]