*2022 stock* If you are among those who own the two previous Braen's Machine LPs, Underground and Quarta pagina, you're probably already well aware of one of Italian library music best kept secrets, that is the real identities of those hiding behind the pseudonyms Braen and Gisteri. These were the monikers of Alessandro Alessandroni and Oronzo De Filippi, directed by Piero Umiliani and his record label Liuto. With Temi ritmici e dinamici (Rhythmic and dynamic themes) the plot thickens and gives us two other aliases to unveil, with each of them signing one of the two sides of the album: G. Ugolini and Awake; we believe, though, that the already mentioned Alessandroni and De Filippi also hide behind these nicknames.

In contrast with Underground and Quarta pagina, Temi ritmici e dinamici offers brighter, less psychedelic atmospheres, leaving room to beat sounds, to a swinging rhythm section, to the Hammond organ (Gara resembles the James Taylor Quartet, but a decade earlier), and even to moog and synthesizers (Dilettanti). Despite a lighter and an almost purely entertaining context, the album also allows for experimentation, as can be heard in the two songs that close both sides: Esercizi Ginnici and Aspetti Grotteschi. There's no better soundtrack than Temi ritmici e dinamici for your 'outdoor activities' (Attività all'aperto), or if you're always seeking for 'competition' (Competizione). An exercise that works perfectly, even while comfortably lying on the couch...

"Maybe the coolest and grooviest music we've heard from the obscure Braen's Machine sound library project from early 70s Italy – a record that's less tripped out than its predecessors, and instead has this great style that's heavy on bossa elements and funky jazz! The vibe's a bit like the best Italian soundtracks of the period – especially work by Morricone or Trovajoli – and the group still apparently features contributions from Alessandro Alessandroni, working with Piero Umiliani – which gives the whole thing a very strong soundtrack pedigree! Instrumentation includes some mighty nice keyboards – both Hammond and electric piano – and lots of great production on familiar instruments, which can give things like a snare drum a very odd crackle, or a flute this weirdly spacious sound." - Dustygroove