Morphé

Artist: Pellegrino & Zodyaco

Released: October 2020

Length: 32m 26s

My review:

Morphé is the second outing orchestrated by Pellegrino, the multi faceted Napoli based musician, Dj, producer, and label owner, with his studio and live band Zodyaco. Rooted in the foothills of Vesuvius both physically, but also mentally, they are the total embodiment of their environment, using the backdrop as a muse from which to create a homegrown fusion of Disco, Jazz and Funk with a hint of that Italo flare for good measure.

Opening up the album we have my first highlight, Napoliterranea a gentle but funky number that eases you into the record with a slow start, softened with shakers and some subtle keys that emanate the shining stars featured within the artwork. When the plucked bass line kicks in your head starts to nod to the beat uncontrollably, just after the half way mark we are treated to some bold brass sounds in the form of a saxophone, ripping a solo and guiding us to through the final section of the track. Next up is Amaremai, continuing the infectious rhythm while picking up the pace ever so slightly, there is also the addition of some dreamy Italian vocals that complement the instruments beautifully. Damecuta (LP Mix) is an understated balearic banger that utilises an echo to great effect to create a trilling sound that is reminiscent of distant bird calls. The first half of the song features a few spoken words and some delicately sung notes, towards the end of the song these seem to melt into the distinct droney synth that can be heard throughout, but that tenderly appears and disappears, varying in volume and intensity. All this coupled with some strong percussion work make this one my second highlight and a serious contender for the top spot. That funky bass takes centre stage again for Nun Fa Niente with the first male vocals heard on the record so far (from Pellegrino himself) and a stunning keyboard solo to round off the last song of the first side. As we flip over to side B we have Tanta Gente, a jazzy funk fest of a tune equipped with some driving drum tracks, the prevalent sultry saxophone, a harmony of layered voices (even chanting around the midpoint and then again to close the track) and of course the ever-present warmth from the keyboard. Intrasatta is my stand out song and I delve a little deeper into it below, before we have Uè Uagliò (Via Da Qua), the final song of the LP. Slowing things down in intensity if not in tempo, the final tune features vocals, again from Pellegrino, that take the forefront while the instruments take a back seat, this is definitely one of the calmer points on the album, helping bring it to a natural close. Overall this is a solid and consistent album, with absolutely no skips, that not only draws inspiration from the very environment in which it was created, but encapsulates and accentuates it too.

It just so happens that I took on a last minute job in the Dolomites this past weekend which coincides nicely with this weeks blog post featuring Italian artist, albeit hailing from the other side of the country. However there is something beautiful and captivating about the landscape, language and lifestyle here that has been perfectly captured and becomes the very essence of this record. There is a wonderful laid back attitude and breeziness that just seeps out of the music and begs to be enjoyed in the European sun, cold beer in hand and without a care in the world.

Stand out song: Intrasatta 

This is my favourite but also the shortest track on the album and opens with some heavily modified high pitched guitar screeches that bring a certain uneasiness with them before the self assured clean and strong bass creeps in and eventually prevails beyond the 25 second mark, breathing life into the track. We are then joined by some clever percussion and the chords of the mighty keyboard. Another keyboard plays the melody of short sharp stabs that punctuate the track and drive it forward, later this is mirrored with the vocals, a lovely little trick that forms a strong sense of cohesion between all the different elements that make up the band, acting as one single entity. There is also the slightly softer effect of bending some of the notes, particularly used in the second keyboard solo that juxtaposes the more aggressive sounds we have heard previously. I feel that the rhythm of the song and the fact that we constantly climb up and then return back to the base, gives the effect of auditory symmetry which pleases the structured and logical side of my brain. Again we have the fantastic accompaniment of the saxophone that effortlessly glides up and in-between the rest of the sounds. My only tripe is that the track is criminally short, I feel like we are just getting into the proper groove of the song before we are sadly cut off, I would love to hear an extended mix or jam from these guys for sure. 

When to listen: 

Bringing the Mediterranean vibes this record deserves a backdrop as fitting as Naples seen from Vesuvius, although we aren't all blessed enough to have the beautiful Italian coastline as a constant in our lives. Another great pairing (and slightly cheaper alternative) would be the golden hour on a warm summers evening, enjoyed in the company of friends and family as the day slowly transitions to night, with the only worry being what record to put on next.

Spotify: Listen here

Vinyl:

This beautifully Balearic record comes housed in a well crafted matte sleeve with a thick, blue tinged insert, it has been designed and constructed with the user in mind with plenty of care and attention to detail, I particularly enjoy the subtle curve cut out of the insert that makes retrieving the record that little bit easier. The stylistically surreal artwork for the front cover includes an image of Vesuvius and the stars reflected in the sea, both inspirations to Pellegrino and his live band with an appropriate dedication to 'Naples seen from Vesuvius' written on the back cover. The theme of stars is explored a little further on the rear with constellations with an unknown constellation taking centre stage, I tried to contact the artist to attain if it was a real constellation or simply well designed motive used by the duo, however I didn't receive a reply so it is all just speculation. Artwork was done by fellow Italian Riccardo Corda and he has done an excellent job providing visuals that match the spirit and energy of the music. Audio wise the record is crisp and clear, with all the colour and warmth you would expect from the Italian coast in the height of summer. There are a few variants available, a glossy cover version, the matte repress in 2025 and then the original pressing that was released in 2020, which I own, link as always here - Discogs link

Other useful links:

Early Sounds Recording is a label from Naples, run by Pellegrino that is dedicated to that Mediterranean sound heard on this record. You can visit the website here for all their musical releases and a small but sophisticated line of merch - https://www.earlysoundsrecordings.com/

You can see more of Riccardo's work via his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/riccardo_corda/?hl=en

If you like this try these:

Nu Genea - Bar Mediterraneo

Mystic Jungle - Sunset Breaker

Nico Mecca - Floppy Computer