Marcello Parrilli
Identità

THE REVIEW

Identity. A title that accurately captures the concept emerging from this album, a well-rounded representation of who Marcello Parrilli is: composer, singer-songwriter, performer.

A production free from typical taboos or clichés of Italian singer-songwriter music: the usual fear of electronics, the compulsory role of the acoustic guitar as the main instrument, or the obligation to insert a bit of low-fi everywhere; yet, with a great interest in experimentation and allowing the right space for entirely instrumental tracks that provide the necessary breath to the album.

A work that brings Italian singer-songwriter music back to the forefront, moving a bit away from the freak and alternative logic, as has happened in recent years, consider various artists like dente, le luci della centrale elettrica, and others (of which I am a fan, to be clear); allowing Parrilli to explore freely while keeping his intent, motivations, and (musical) origins clear and prominent. A varied but not overly extensive tracklist with a strong influence from the late '80s, a conscious influence that does not undermine the final work but instead allows the author to range from conscious use of classical instruments like the piano to the use of low-level surrogates (see the strings in various parts) which, however, appear at the right moment contributing to making this album direct, immediate, and complete.

Dominating all other tracks is the first one: Cinepoesia, almost a summary of the album, a preview presenting the various aspects of this product developed later in the other 10 tracks. Unfortunately, a note of demerit must be given to the production and post-production, not very suitable for a product of this type, and consequently, Parrilli is held accountable for choosing the wrong collaborations despite having great performers within the album. We hope that in the next one, soon to be released, produced by NIGHT MUSIC of Luigi Chelli, these aspects have been better addressed, while we hope to find again everything that made IDENTITÀ a noteworthy album, which I hope becomes part of your collection.

Enjoy listening.

Gianfranco Scuotri