Antonio Bertoni / Massimo De Mattia / Stefano Leonardi - Tatzlwurm [Aut Records 144]

Another fresh release on the ever expanding Italian Aut Records label is "Tatzlwurm", a full on acoustic single-take improvisational album affair conceived by Antonio Bertoni, Massimo De Mattia and Stefano Leonardi who, over the course of nine pieces and roughly 55 minutes of total playtime, pay homage to the ancient Austro-German mythological creature of the "Tatzlwurm" - hence the albums title. Put out on the circuit on January 28th, 2k26 the album features an array of non-western instruments interacting with a more traditional foundation of cello, percussion and flute / alto flute, opening new sonic realms touching base with Jazz, Improv and - for the lack of a better term - World Music with the opening piece that is "The Dark Mountain" providing a set of interlaced, ever meandering flute melodies laid out over slow, yet damp and fever'ish tribal drum rhythms before "Axis Mundi" enters deeper, more explorative and enchanted territories whilst adding a probably slightly oriental twist whereas the "Zigzag Wanderer" brings forth dense and dramatic movements, whirling imitations of exotic bird calls, busy percussion harmonies and intense background drums for dancing dervishes and attentive listeners, telling multiple layered stories at once, probably best consumed in the vicinity of open fires and dim, flickering lights. Furthermore super intense, vibrating cuts like "Walking Along The Scream" evoke memories of voodoo, spells cast and hyperrealistic nightmares one doesn't recover from within seconds after waking up whilst the "Return Of The Primordial Stillness" pairs more hyperactive interwined flutes and sparse muscular and somewhat Industrial-leaning drums and percussion to a spine-tingling effect whilst the concluding "Monster's Lullaby" waves goodbye on a rather playful and excited note which might keep the monster occupied and wide awake instead of putting it to sleep. A lovely album which might even speak to parts of the Krautrock community due to its non stop and ever evolving nature.

Album artwork on Instagram!