PINHDAR are an Italian duo composed of singer Cecilia Miradoli and guitarist/producer Max Tarenzi. Born out of experiences in the rock band Nomoredolls and the organization of the international musical festival A Night Like This, they explore the fusion of trip-hop, dark wave, and electronica with originality, influenced by the Bristol scene. Their eponymous debut EP in 2019 received praise from the British critics, with the single Toy broadcasted on major radios like KEXP. In 2021, they released their first album, Parallel, with the collaboration of legendary producer Howie B, published by Fruits de Mer Records.
The European tour included prestigious venues such as Stereolux in Nantes and Dr Sardonicus Psych Fest in the UK. In the summer of 2023, during their UK tour, they completed the new album A Sparkle On The Dark Water  (set for release on March 22nd 2024) with producer Bruno Ellingham, a former Massive Attack and Portishead collaborator. 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, honors them by gifting the image of one of his paintings for use as the cover of their new record.

 What They Say: “Humans provides a deep and reflective look at the human condition with a shadowy and sinuous mood that blends trip-hop, dream pop, and darktronica elements. The song is accompanied by a stunning music video created by Los Angeles-based director/photographer/artist Telavaya Reynolds (previously working with the American band Animals As Leaders). Her work explores states of consciousness, generational heritage, and the relationship between humans and their environments.“

“Little Light is a metaphor for a relationship in which one of the individuals feels insecure and lost, ‘fumbling in the dark,’ with their only guiding light being the support they receive from the other. Like a fish in the deepest abyss.Once again, the song is accompanied by a powerful video created by visual artist Telavaya Reynold and Mexican choreographer Tlathui Maza.“

Their Mixtape:

Dry Cleaning – Swampy

We love their raw and groovy sound in contrast with the laid-back vocals. Also, Florence’s spoken word parts have been a source of inspiration for us.

Kate Bush – Cloudbusting

An incredible, touching and immortal song. We love the orchestration and Kate Bush is one of our favourite singers ever. The song tells about Willhelm Reich, the inventor of the orgone accumulator and cloudbuster which reminds us a lot about the parallel realities we try to create.

Chelsea Wolfe – Everything Turns Blue

Deep blue is our colour as well. With this new work, Chelsea is heading more towards dark trip-hop and we feel her even closer to the mood and vibe we love.

Massive Attack – Protection

This is the song that pulled us into trip-hop, back at the time when it came out. It was shocking and mesmerizing at the same time. We were also lucky enough to listen to its multitrack session while working on our album in Bath last summer. What an experience!

Portishead – Silence

We love this song and the album “Third” because it represents the unique way this band evolved from the genre, after being one of the absolute trip-hop masters. And it’s also a rare example of sophisticated minimalism.

Lana Del Ray – West Coast

This song makes us fly and the tempo switch in the choruses makes it a little masterpiece. Also, Lana here reminds us of Hope Sandoval, another favourite of ours.

The Smile – Friend of a Friend

Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood are incredible musicians and it’s surprising how they can even form a new band, following what they already achieved in their careers, and still be this good. We love this drummer’s style too and the video is awesome, with those kids’ spontaneous reactions, who can’t realise what they are witnessing.

A Sparkle On The Dark Water will be out on March 22nd on Fruits De Mer Records. Look HERE for more information on PINHDAR.