Upupayāma
Mount Elephant
Fuzz Club Records [2024]
“A transcendent blend of global rhythms and psych-rock innovation—Mount Elephant redefines the journey inward.”
Album Overview: Upupayāma is the brainchild of Italian multi-instrumentalist Alessio Ferrari, who began the project as a personal exploration of global sounds and introspective musical journeys. Rooted in his home barn studio overlooking Parma, Ferrari crafts each record solo, drawing from diverse inspirations while balancing rich instrumentation. Live, Upupayāma transforms into a six-piece ensemble, embracing a dynamic, improvisational spirit. Mount Elephant, Upupayāma’s third release and debut on Fuzz Club, channels Ferrari’s desire to embrace stillness and contemplation. The record explores a new frontier of psych sound, informed by his fascination with cultural rhythms and traditional music. It bridges past influences with an expansive vision, blending meditative soundscapes and unexpected bursts of energy. The album feels like a spiritual journey, inviting listeners into a vivid, imagined world.
Musical Style: Mount Elephant weaves a tapestry of sounds influenced by Bhutanese melodies, Anatolian traditions, Thai grooves, and Ferrari’s foundational love for acid-folk and ’70s experimental psych rock. The instrumentation spans guitars, sitar, flute, erhu, keyboards, and a variety of percussion, creating a textured and immersive listening experience. The music’s ebb and flow reflect Ferrari’s focus on patience and organic rhythms.
Evolution of Sound: Compared to the exploratory self-titled debut, Upupayāma (2020), and the focused stillness of The Golden Pond (2022), Mount Elephant feels like a step forward into uncharted territory. This record blends Ferrari’s earlier themes with greater refinement and an openness to cultural diversity. The shift reveals a deepening curiosity and confidence in crafting globally inspired, far-reaching tracks.
Artists with Similar Fire: Listeners of Mount Elephant will find connections to the meditative psychedelia of Kikagaku Moyo, the exploratory nature of Wax Machine, and the textured compositions of GOAT. The blend of Eastern influences and progressive rock echoes elements of Altın Gün and the improvisational nature of Can.
Pivotal Tracks: The album’s dream-like tracks each offer a unique facet of Ferrari’s vision, such as the opening “Moon Needs The Wolf.” Pieces grounded in Eastern instrumentation, like those featuring the sitar or erhu, highlight the global inspirations behind the record. “Fil Dağı” (“Elephant Mountain” in Turkish) stands out with its Anatolian influences and the album’s most prominent vocals, delivered in a chant-like style. Tracks that move into fuzz-laden guitar passages, such as the closing title track, create impactful contrasts, offering moments of intensity amidst the tranquil mood. Together, these moments define the record’s identity.
Lyrical Strength: Though primarily instrumental, Mount Elephant carries an emotive narrative through its arrangement and pacing. Ferrari’s approach to soundscapes evokes vivid imagery and emotions, relying on the interplay of instruments to tell its story. This creates a timeless and borderless appeal, resonating with listeners on a deeper, imaginative level.
Final Groove: Mount Elephant is an impressive exploration of Alessio Ferrari’s creative vision, balancing meditative soundscapes with bursts of energy that keep listeners engaged. The album’s global inspirations and rich instrumentation make it a standout release in the psych-rock scene, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re drawn to the serene or the chaotic, Mount Elephant delivers a deeply rewarding experience. With this release, Upupayāma continues to evolve, hinting at even greater possibilities for the future.
UPUPAYĀMA LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Fuzz Club Records
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