Mortòri Declaring War Against Love

Out now on On The Camper Records is “A Mort l’Amur”. Released under the banner of Mortòri, it is part one of a unique solo project from Aris Bassetti, also known for his work with Peter Kernel, Camilla Sparksss, Kety Fusco, Monte Mai and others. Another EP is scheduled for the summer, with the album proper, “A Mort l’Amur, Che Som Mort d’Amur”, set to complete the song cycle towards the end of the year.

Clearly, Aris hasn’t enjoyed the romantic side of life very much recently. “A Mort l’Amur” is a true declaration of war against love”, he writes on the Mortòri homepage. And: “This is not a project that celebrates love—it dissects it, challenges it, breaks it apart piece by piece to reveal its imperfections and serve as a warning to anyone daring to fall in love.”

To add mystery to the mission, the lyrics aren’t written in conventional contemporary Italian but an ancient local dialect which doesn’t sound Italian at all. Citing “Ornella Vanoni, Gino Paoli, South America, Italian-Swiss folk music and Arabic music” as influences, Bassetti gives free rein to his experimental tendencies without ever losing touch with palatable melodies. For example, “O’l Amur” is driven forward by a vibraphone and bass riff, flute and hyperactive bongos. In “GDC” we are dealing with a kind of (electronic?) woodwind/cello combo and “La Gata” would have won the San Remo Festival in a better world. Splendid stuff!

Mortòri
On The Camper Records
Peter Kernel
Camilla Sparksss
Kety Fusco
Monte Mai
Aris Bassetti