King of the Opera – ‘Nothing Outstanding’
This past week I received an email from Valentina at Radio SPIN (a local Prato college radio station). From the time I arrived in Prato I have been really taking in all of the music and trying to expose myself to as many new artists as possible. My main goal when coming to Italy was to get involved with the music scene and have experience in dealing with the industry outside of America.
I have to say that when I received the email from Valentina asking me to review “Nothing Outstanding,” I was a bit skeptical because of the band name. In America, King of the Opera would be the name of something that most likely had to do with classical music, or operatic pieces. However, after listening to their debut album, I have to say this is my favorite band I have been introduced to thus far.
The band was first recognized at the San Miguel Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona, where they played their first ever gig on the Adidas Originals Stage.
Their vocalist, Alberto Mariotti, formerly known as Samuel Katarro, has a voice similar to that of David Bowie’s and his calming sound adds a layer of depth to the already tranquil instrumentals backing each track. The Tuscan singer has gone through a lot to get to where he is today in the industry. After a name change and many musical adaptations regarding the genre in which he sang, this album truly shows that Mariotti has found his “nitch.”
In the past, Mariotti was described as having a bluesy sound that verged on that of an RnB singer. It seems as though he is now leaving that behind, taking the blues quality that makes his voice so desirable and applying it to a more modern, slow, rock and roll sound.
My favorite track on the album is “The Floating Song.” I am a huge Goo Goo Dolls fan, and the beat of this track reminds me a lot of their earlier songs. This upbeat track, layered with Mariotti’s amazing tambour, gives this track a certain depth. When the chorus picks up it is easily comparable to a lot of U2’s earlier songs off of their album, The Joshua Tree. It is clear to see that, though Tuscan born, Mariotti has been influenced by the evolution of American music and applies the popular sounds and styles of American Greats to his vocals.
I am in love with this band and I would definitely suggest checking them out. You can listen to the entire debut album by going to www.sferacubica.it/pressroom/a-buzz-supreme/king-of-the-opera-king-of-the-opera/
I can promise you will not regret giving them a shot. Though Italian-based, every track is in English and has some pretty profound lyrics that really make you have to stop and think about the meaning behind each song. Enjoy!
