8/10

Throughout his vast and enigmatic tenure to date, Italian composer and pianist Dardust has always looked to add a broader and more adventurous edge to his work. Combining a heady piano-led flow with this subtle yet impactful orchestral arrangement across his releases over the years has given him this larger-than-life appeal, something that he has looked to conjure with every new delight. And after capping off his 2024 with the wondrous 'Urban Impressionism' LP, he now returns to deliver the deluxe edition of his newest offering, adding yet more immersive textures to his already captivating aesthetic.

Building upon the foundations of the original with a vibrant array of additional outings, the deluxe edition of 'Urban Impressionism' looks to expand upon the emotive layers of its predecessor, while still remaining true to its core sound. The result is this wildly explorative pursuit that finds him in a rejuvenating space, brimming with confidence and an assured persona throughout his newest material. Whether he is offering a subdued emotion with 'Nocturne Of You' or splicing electronic elements into its dazzling title-track, Dardust always manages to unearth something new and interesting in which to explore, doubling down on those immersive qualities once again.

While plenty was said about the original 'Urban Impressionism' when it arrived, this revamped addition gives us another wondrous dose of his spellbinding direction at every turn. It has certainly been a busy and impactful time for him recently, and this new collection finds him at the zenith of his creative prowess once again.

Dardust will present his latest album 'Urban Impressionism', through a unique European tour, See below for the full list of live dates:

12 March - Milan @ Pirelli HangarBicocca - Sala Palazzi Celesti
14 March - Rome @ La Nuvola - Auditorium
18 March - Barcelona @Sala Paral-Lel 62
21 March - Madrid @San Pol
22 March - Lisbon @Teatro Capitolio
29 March - Paris @L’Archipel
31 March - Brussels @Bozar
1 April - Hamburg @Nachtasyl
2 April - Berlin @Colosseum
3 April - Prague @Conservatoire Hall
6 April - Utrecht @ TivoliVredenburg - Cloud Nine
8 April - London @Hoxton Hall