Sabatum Quartet
Sangue e Latte

Review of "Sangue e Latte", 2010, by "Sabatum Quartet" (Ethnic, Folk & World Music) Rating: 4/5

Third studio album for the most representative band from Cosenza, in constant tour in southern Italy with frequent visits abroad (Argentina, Germany, Belgium, and Canada) to communities of emigrants from times past, far from forgetting their traditions. Traditions, skillfully mixed with contaminations of different genres and geographies, in this latest album from the "fake" quartet (now a stable septet), which leaves the listener particularly struck by a swirl of different yet organic sounds when it comes to music and instrumentation, supported by lyrics that at first glance might seem uncommitted.

There is everything; rhythmically/melodically it ranges from the ethnic vibes of "Coglia l'arancia" to the tango of "Tempu", from the Calabrian tarantella of "Tri Vecchie" (original music on an ancient text passed down orally) to the rock/folk of "Viat' a vue", and then flamenco, reggae, obviously taranta, folk, and even a house remix as a bonus track. Sabatum leaves nothing out for its ever-growing supporters; you can clearly feel the maturity of now veteran artists, accustomed to both performances and writing, and it seems the time has come for a leap into the mainstream of this constantly expanding genre, perhaps the only genre that still has much to say and give, in an Italian music scene increasingly devoid of ideas and full of fake stars created on television.

Noteworthy in the album is the splendid ballad "Vorra vidìre", the aforementioned "Coglia l'arancia" most likely inspired by the situation of non-EU immigrants in Rosarno et similia, and even a Spanish-flavored "El Poeta", original music on a native language text by G. Garcìa Lorca. A thoroughly good album, to be listened to and listened to again, especially live, where Sabatum shines best, in a kaleidoscope of tradition, contamination, and musicians with outstanding qualities.

Review by Mario "mariosirius" Tarsitano