An Harbor
May

Talent shows have that rare ability to direct the viewer exactly where the jury of the moment wants. I remember in the 2014 edition of X-Factor, when a certain Federico Pagani, known as An Harbor, appeared on stage with a calmness and composure that greatly irritated a jury comprising Mika, Fedez, Morgan, and Victoria, leading them to say that he had a "presumptuous" demeanor. Episode after episode, he managed to rid himself of all criticism, focusing mainly on one track: "By The Smokestack," an original piece that, in my opinion, could have easily won him that edition hands down without going further with the episodes. But no, showbiz is sometimes ruthless, as we know. That experience did not grant him major label contracts or countless privileges, but it certainly provided him the conviction necessary to challenge himself even more than before. And here I am, nearly two years later, completely taken aback by what is his official musical debut, "May." An album that already shows, through its artwork, what it wants to express, featuring the figure of a boxer: who takes hits but knows how to stand up again, and why not, win the match. This record was released by an independent label, and starting in October, we will see it throughout Italy with an endless tour, exactly what his personality wanted and managed to achieve. How? With a fantastic album, his is a rock full of strong emotions, filled with that veiled nostalgia that perhaps reflects that single-expression face he has but at the same time has clear ideas in his head. "May" is not afraid to dare, clashing head-on with electronics, not the bold kind you hear on the radio today, but rather the passionate and "thoughtful" kind, capable of supporting the artist without overshadowing him. Watch the video for the single "Like A Demon" online, where we find him in action together with Giulia/Tight Eye, and tell me I'm wrong. The track that perhaps struck me the least of the whole lot is "By The Smokestack," but simply because acoustic versions usually have that emotional impact that circulates faster. An Harbor has shown what he is capable of, surpassing himself in my opinion. Yet the question remains the same: what criteria must an artist have to catch the eye of the majors?! Maybe deep down we all know, so it's better to continue dreaming, perhaps precisely with "May."