Italian trip-hop/dream pop duo Pinhdar, composed of vocalist Cecilia Miradoli and guitarist/producer Max Tarenzi, has released its sophomore album, A Sparkle On The Dark Water - an intense, contemplative, and dark work, yet not resigned, navigating through trip-hop, dream-pop, dark-wave, and electronica. Preceded in recent months by the singles "Humans", "Little Light", and "Frozen Roses", and their extraordinary videos directed by filmmakers Telavaya Reynolds and Marco Molinelli, the album came out via Fruits de Mer Records on vinyl, CD and digitally.

The album is an intimate reflection on the meaning of human existence and what can still be done - privately and to others - to ignite a spark in the dark waters into which the planet Earth is increasingly sinking. Musically, Pinhdar continues its unique artistic journey, evolving from its first significant album, Parallel (2021), produced with Howie B. The duo blends deep trip-hop rhythms with dark wave guitar textures, dream pop reverberations, and enveloping synthetic electronics. A Sparkle On The Dark Water departs from the minimalism of its previous work, layering its sound. Cecilia's voice is no longer alone in the forefront but 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, has honoured Pinhdar by gifting the image of one of his paintings for use as the cover of its new record. Link