Filippo Sala - Maree [Aut Records 148]

Put out on March 11th, 2k26 as the labels cat.no. 148 is "Maree", the second full length album conceived by the Italian drummer x percussionist x composer Filippo Sala for Aut Records, once again realized and brought to life in collaboration with Enrico Terragnoli and Danilo Gallo. Rolled out over roughly 45 minutes and a total of 10 brand new compositions the Sala-led trio is, according to the accompanying press sheet, drawing inspiration from the oscillating movement of the tides in the ocean, opening with the deep, tender and inward looking PostRock of "Martin P" which takes us back to mid-00s releases on labels like Exile On Mainstream and intimate concert shows at Hamburg's then beloved micro venue Astrastube around the turn of the millenium whereas "Carillon" brings forth a stripped down and defo Blues-infused late night vision followed by the muscular and well dynamic, rather funky, yet surely Rock x Alternative Rock infused complex rhythmic wizardry of "Moon" and the detailed MicroJazz approach of "Le Cose Semplici". Furthermore we see "Crepuscolo" on an oriental x desert-infused tip with its distinct, rather minimalist plucked string lead melody and subdued, yet scorching hot background percussions whilst "Senz'acqua" fully indulges in hypnotic peak time Psychedelia and a certainly driving vibe that would sit well in a future Tarantino movie yet to come whereas "Ricardo Reis" does the exact opposite, carefully and tentatively exploring textures and layers, slowly building a delicate web of echoes of echoes of what might be described as Late Night Jazz by some. With "Capeo De Mato" we're back on a Rock-driven and certainly muscular edge with, once again, rather funky groove infusions before "Luglio" settles on a cozy, slightly twangy and intimate PostRock vibe for late summer afternoons and "Mr. Winter" provides a similarly deep, yet more session-like live feel for a closing. A rather unusual release for Aut Records, yet defo an interesting one. Go check!

Album artwork on Instagram!