Paolo Spoladore
UT

They say that living intensely is something quite different from every idea that modern society has been led to believe about it. This is often mentioned in the words of mystics, gurus, and enlightened individuals of various kinds. Every now and then, amidst the messages, more or less all the same, that characterize the chaotic pop culture, it's quite pleasing to find voices completely out of the ordinary.

This is the case of Paolo Spoladore and his album, "UT". In his lyrics, clearly inspired by spirituality, the search for the transcendental is recurrent, but most of the time it manages to perfectly blend with current themes of less broad scope. Putting aside beliefs and ideologies of any kind, we therefore review the musical aspect of the album, because it truly deserves a careful listen.

Fourteen tracks for over seventy minutes of music that flow by more than pleasantly. CD in the stereo, what immediately strikes is the crystalline sound quality: on the cardboard package, refined yet sparse, we learn that the album was recorded in Belgium, and you wouldn't expect all those names for the production of an artist semi-known to most. In this regard, any reference I'll make to more famous artists should be considered purely indicative.

The album opens with the Pink Floydian atmospheres of "Aprirò", whose synth accompanies the verses until the arrival of the electric chorus. Following is "Bella", and the style changes as it is a lively and rhythmic pop song, with simple yet effective guitar chords. If one were to find a flaw, the lyrics are forcibly enthusiastic and even fall into the second most overused rhyme combination ("bella come una stella..."). The tension returns greatly with "Amami". In terms of sound, here we find ourselves in the realm of the Alan Parsons Project: an electric piano intro, and then we start with a choir accompanied by marked rhythms. The central part of the song is characterized by sudden chord changes, and the mixing work is very good. Without drops, we arrive at "Corri", which closes the first part of the album, reinforcing the impression of being in front of a very well-conceived product. The arrangement is essential; after a piano intro (the structure is the same as "Amami"), bass, drums, and guitar start weaving the rhythms of an elegant and engaging rock song.

"UT" employs non-trivial melodies and experimental insights, thus placing itself in the realm of auteur post-rock; "Ecco" begins reminiscent of Brian Eno, with a hypnotic arpeggiated loop and the atmosphere becomes subdued, then the tones reignite with the blues rock of "Cerca". "Ehjeh" is a sort of lament, in Aramaic I believe, which starts almost in the background between the synths and then grows and manifests in a decidedly electric finale. The only ballad of the album is "Alba"; intense and engaging, Spoladore's voice becomes tormented and modulated in much higher tones. This way, we arrive without skipping to the peak of the album, the thirteenth track, "Vivere": here’s what would happen if Franco Battiato met Radiohead. To the subtlety of the verses for voice and electric organ alone stands a chorus that explodes in a cycle of E minor and A.

"UT" is an excellent experiment, it surely knows how to surprise. The melodic insights are very good, and the arrangements are perfect, the sound clarity is commendable. The result is an album of simple yet sophisticated songs that captivate the ear and are appreciated for their unexpected freshness.