Mòn
Zama

The Mòn are a Roman band formed in 2014 by Rocco Zilli (Voice, Synth, Guitar), Carlotta Deiana (Voice), Michele Mariola (guitar), Stefano Veloci (bass), and Dimitri Nicastri (drums).
Their debut album, Zama, saw the light only three years later and was released in May 2017 by Urtovox Records.

With this first work, The Mòn have already earned a respectable place in the Italian music scene. Their sound particularly echoes the alternative rock of established bands such as Pixies and Arcade Fire, boldly mixed with purely electronic sounds (a bit like the format used by Radiohead in their latest works).
As for the electronic part, the major influences seem to be the downtempo of Thyco and the ambient Aphex Twinian style.
The very contrast between instrumental and electronic sounds is most likely the hot spot of the entire album.

The winning mix of The Mòn is probably their ability to satisfy everyone’s "palate" without giving up their strong personality. Behind seemingly simple and delicate Pop melodies, there are sometimes furious, "angry" arrangements of fine craftsmanship, meticulously curated, that demonstrate quality and originality.
And if, at a first and distracted listen, you start tapping your foot in time and letting yourself be carried away by what has been a classic song format for years, after a couple of listens you immediately become aware of the sophistication of the melodies and the depth of some sounds, particularly that of the guitars (sometimes almost post-rockish) and the synthesizer.

While not proposing anything innovative, the brave choice by the group's members to embark on this difficult musical path is to be appreciated.
The album is overall very pleasant, at times it would be hard to think it is the result of minds so young, it seems more like the work of a musical ensemble already established and at the top of the charts, matured after a series of different experiences.

An excellent debut, therefore, that places much attention on the Roman band, called to meet the great expectations generated by Zama in the future.
Finally, a personal note of regard for the album cover and the splendid artwork inside the album with the song lyrics.