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THE REVIEW
New Studio Album, after 3 years since the last one...
The Group continues on the path that has taken it from popular folk, to world music, to what can most likely be defined as a Folk Rock Album...
Compared to the past, you can hear the electric guitars and drums more present and dominant, which overshadow in many tracks the typical and now unmistakable sound of this group that is both traditional and innovative...
The lyrics of the original songs by the established duo Bozzo-Marrelli are modern and rooted in current reality, and there are personal reinterpretations of popular music classics (a cover of Rosa Balistreri, a traditional Sardinian lullaby, two very famous Calabrian folk songs like Calabrisella and Abballati Abballati), as well as the "resurfacing" of popular lyrics adapted to new melodies, an experiment widely seen and successful in previous albums...
Very likely, on an organic level, we are facing the best album of the Band; perhaps there are no true classics, but the album in its entirety does not present any dull moments and flows smoothly yet changeably. In addition to the aforementioned pieces, among other tracks, there is a collaboration with the renowned jazz singer Rosa Martirano, and at the end, a delightful "Christmas gift"...
There is something for everyone; the standout tracks of the album are probably Tira Nimicu Miu, Nascia e Mora, and L'Ultima Giocata (a modern almost punk-rock piece on the problematic notes of gambling, sung even in three different languages)...
Sabatum Quartet continues happily in the dissemination and recovery of Calabrian popular tradition and beyond, always accompanied by experimentation and a brilliant streak from the authors, unreservedly maintaining the high musical quality of previous albums (an obligatory feature given the "conservatory" background of many members).
If there's one critique to be made against the band, it is always the same: that the album, like any other studio album of theirs, never manages to reach the expressive peaks and musical blend achieved in live performances; as always, the recommendation is to attend a concert by the musicians—you're unlikely to be disappointed.
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Summary by Bot
Sabatum Quartet's 'Tessere' marks a successful evolution from folk to a more electric folk rock sound, maintaining their blend of tradition and innovation. The album features original songs and folk classics reinterpreted with modern energy. Highlights include collaborations with jazz singer Rosa Martirano and standout tracks like 'Tira Nimicu Miu'. The band continues to deliver high musical standards, though their live performances remain uniquely expressive. Overall, 'Tessere' is a smooth and engaging album without dull moments.Tracklist
