The Moon Is a Dry Bone

Released in 2020, 'The Moon Is a Dry Bone' represents a refined peak in Riccardo Prencipe's Corde Oblique project. While previous albums often leaned into more complex, multi-instrumental arrangements, this record feels more intimate and focused on the 'FolkGaze' aesthetic. It continues the project's obsession with Italian art history, specifically referencing Neapolitan landmarks and historical figures, but filters them through a more somber, nocturnal lens. The production is characterized by its use of space; the guitar is recorded with a dry intimacy that contrasts sharply with the vast, cavernous reverb applied to the vocals and strings. This creates a unique depth of field, placing the listener right next to the performer while the 'ghosts' of the songs echo in the distance. Critically, it was praised for its ability to bridge the gap between neoclassical precision and the emotional vulnerability of contemporary indie-folk.