Spirit Exit


Spirit Exit is a studio album by Italian composer Caterina Barbieri. It was released on 8 July 2022 through her record label Light-Years. It received universal acclaim from critics.

Background

Spirit Exit was written and recorded in Caterina Barbieri's home studio in Milan, during a two-month COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020. She drew inspiration from Teresa of Ávila, Rosi Braidotti, and Emily Dickinson. The album incorporates vocals, guitar, and strings, in addition to synthesizer. It includes an alternate version of "Knot of Spirit", the original of which was released in 2021 with vocals from Lyra Pramuk. A music video was released for the track "Broken Melody".

Critical reception

Shrey Kathuria of Loud and Quiet wrote, "Equal part blissful and mysterious, Barbieri's arpeggiated synth passages narrate an abstract story that is both melancholic and charged with energy." Linnie Greene of Pitchfork stated, "Layer by layer, Spirit Exit unfolds odd-couple pairings of electronica with elements inspired by minimalism, classical guitar, and machine learning." Louis Pattison of Uncut commented that "A mood of high seriousness pervades, but Spirit Exits blend of spirituality and futurism is often transfixing." Nic Renshaw of SLUG stated, "Between the fearless stabs at high-art poptimism and the extended exercises in hi-fi cosmic beauty, Spirit Exit offers just about everything a fan of cerebral, creative electronic music could want."

Personnel

Credits adapted from liner notes.
  • Caterina Barbieri – production, mixing, art direction
  • Carlo Maria – MC-202, additional mixing
  • Antoine 'Chab' Chabert – mastering
  • Ruben Spini – art direction
  • Nicola Tirabasso – design
  • Furmaan Ahmed – photography