Marta Alleluia
L'arte del pregiudizio

Taken by a polemical vein, I spent an afternoon searching online for something about 'the art of prejudice', to understand what the references in literature or psychology might be.
I never would have thought, surely, that I had nailed the title of the first solo album by Marta Alleluia.
I could have continued my research, after all, I wasn't looking for anything musical, but curiosity got the better of me and I ventured to find more information about Marta (Bless the Internet!).

I thus discover that, like me, she is also over 30, and with this first solo work (after years spent singing in various cover bands) she decides to challenge herself by releasing an EP of three original tracks.
The first thing that struck me was reading in her biography her past as a fan of Anouk and Skin: I assumed that, since they are two rock women, Marta would be too.
Let's just say that, in some ways, Marta is rock in her own way.
You can tell from the cover of her work, a provocation (which I, as a woman, share) against those who shield themselves and judge people superficially, without much attention, foolishly based on physical appearance.
And this must be what happened to Marta Alleluia, because despite her (undeniable) talents, she is still pretty much an unknown.

Aesthetically, Marta is a curvy woman, with soft lines.
She's an Italian Beth Ditto, although no, she's not as voluptuous as the American frontwoman of Gossip.
The difference between the two lies in the final product, in what the musical production is: it must be recognized that Marta's energy, timbre, and vocal range are noteworthy, but... the rock attitude is not very noticeable.
Her three tracks (Come respirare, Qualcosa in più and Sola) are decidedly commercial pieces: a radio-friendly pop rock, which could appeal to fans of the more celebrated Laura Pausini or Emma Marrone.
It's also true that with an intensity and power as perceived when listening, Marta's voice should be a vehicle for more angry and peculiar interpretations, thus managing to truly highlight all her talents.

Her EP is pleasant, it is not incisive but can gain appreciation from an established audience who loves pure Italian style.
I hope to hear from her again in a second work revolutionized from a musical standpoint: more rock, less pop.