PULSAR ENSEMBLE
A modular, hybrid and eclectic ensemble, for over a decade committed to the creation of original musical performances, halfway between concerts and artistic performances. Conceived and directed by Filippo Sala, Pulsar Ensemble focuses on rhythmic and timbral elements arising from a distinctive and predominant use of percussion instruments, aimed at the exploration of the evocative, propulsive, and narrative possibilities of the available range of sounds. Since 2025, the ensemble has been producing two new shows, articulated into two distinct musical directions, deliberately opposed but complementary, always focusing on percussion: ACOUSTIC, an experimental, entirely acoustic quartet of drums and percussion; and ELECTRO, a small electro-acoustic ensemble, a lively sonic tale of post-rock and minimalism.
Since 2014, Pulsar Ensemble has performed in a wide variety of national musical contexts, and won the “Tomorrow's Jazz Award” by Veneto Jazz for the originality of the artistic proposal, and the “L'artista che non c'era Award”, in the best instrumental ensemble category. The ensemble has released two albums: OddSquare (Ritmo&Blu 2017) and Bizarre City (2021).
ACOUSTIC
drums and unpitched textures
A musical suite for drums and percussion quartet, a performative show in which the four percussionists engage in an imaginative, entirely acoustic sonic conversation. The distinctive circular configuration of the instrumental setup, situated in the very center of the scene, is embraced by the audience, thus projecting the spectators into an immersive,unique performance. Acoustic's musical repertoire is inspired by post-minimalism and contemporary percussion music, balancing the execution of original compositions with structural and thematic rhythmic-timbral improvisations.
Davide Bussoleni: drums, percussion
Sebastiano Ruggeri: drums, percussion
Filippo Sala: drums, percussion, compositions
Luca Mazzola: drums, percussion
ELECTRO
rhytmic sound architecture trip
A sonic tale traversing the realms of post-minimalism, post-rock and electronic music. Made up of five musicians, this small electroacoustic ensemble expresses itself within a precise crescendoing compositional architecture, offering a hypnotic and transversal performance, in which the rhythmic and timbral components are the undisputed protagonists. The unusual setup, characterized by a peculiar use of percussion instruments hybridized by synthesizers and chordophones, redefines the role of the drums by placing them at the center of the scene, enframed by the remaining instruments.
Michele Bonifati: el. guitar, fx
Gregorio Conti: el. bass, fx, synth
Filippo Sala: drums, percussion, compositions
Sebastiano Ruggeri: drums, percussion
Luca Mazzola: drums, percussion, synth
Album
Selected Reviews
“There’s a whole lot going on in these songs, and it’s likely you’ll pick up on post-jazz, electro-pop and powerful rock, among other influences, as Sala and company produce a unique and infectious energy you won’t forget anytime soon”
“Un trip auditif des plus bizarres mais toujours aussi intrigants en compagnie de Pulsar Ensemble.”
“[…] ci conducono in un viaggio alla scoperta di mondi diversi che si intersecano dando vita a qualcosa di particolare e di unico.”
“Excellent second album from five-piece Italian band Pulsar Ensemble who create a sci-fi world and bring it to to life with nine, disparate compositions.
[…] immensely creative”
“Today we are premiering this stunning record that launches the listener into a space where the many variations of post-rock, psychedelia and electronic music meet.”
“Als Filippo Sala in 2014 Pulsar Ensemble opricht ligt er al een heel plan klaar. De uit Bergamo afkomstige postrockers gaan op OddSquare van een denkbeeldige droomstad uit die door kindvriendelijke slaapdeuntjes, uitheemse roffels en elektronische breakbeats gevoed wordt. Een prachtig uitgewerkt idee waarmee ze de woeste grenzen van perfectie opnieuw digitaliseren. ”
“Le résultat est un bel album aux sonorités claires, aux compositions finement mesurées avec ce qu’il faut de complexité et d’énergie pour offrir à l’auditeur un passionnant voyage en terre progressive, avec le jazz et le rock pour compagnons.”
“Pulsar Ensemble est une découverte notable […] en même temps il en assied les contours saisissants. Le privilège du scribe rock, souvent, est de recevoir des galettes à part, véritables régalades sonores. […] sous l’emprise d’un disque unique et constamment passionnant.”
“Un disco coraggioso, strano, ma non troppo difficile da comprendere. Sarebbe un piacere potesse diventare un ascolto fisso non solo per gli appassionati di band come Calibro 35 o Tortoise, o del jazz più contemporaneo e contaminato, ma per qualunque amante della buona musica.”
“Οι Pulsar Ensemble είναι ένα από εκείνα τα - ας μου επιτραπεί ο αδόκιμος όρος - νέοpost γκρουπ που, τώρα τελευταία, συναντάμε συχνά στα ταξίδια μας. Το post στοιχείο εδώ δεν είναι μακροσκελές και τεμπέλικο αλλά αρκετά up-tempo, μπολιάζεται δε με αρκετές πινελιές που, στη φιλοσοφία τους, έρχονται από την electronica. Οι ενορχηστρώσεις είναι υπέροχες και η μπάντα είναι γεμάτη όμορφες ιδέες, αν όμως υπάρχει κάτι που συνολικά εντυπωσιάζει είναι η αισθητική και το γούστο τους. Από το ιντριγκαδόρικο όνομα τους έως το όμορφο εξώφυλλο και το εξαιρετικό concept, οι Pulsar Ensemble στον δεύτερο μόλις δίσκο τους, δείχνουν ότι ξέρουν να κάνουν τα πάντα σωστά. Αξίζει να επενδύσεις την προσοχή σου και να αναζητήσεις μαζί τους την Παράξενη Πόλη, κάπου εκεί ψηλά και μακριά.”
“Nel complesso un ottimo lavoro, esaltante e coinvolgente.”