Cè Un Mondo Che by Novecento: A Synth-Pop Time Capsule from 1997
Alright, let’s dive into Cè Un Mondo Che, the criminally underrated gem from Italian act Novecento. Released in 1997 under Crisler Records, this album is like a neon-lit road trip through Europop and Synth-pop vibes, with just enough raw emotion to keep you hooked. It’s not perfect—sometimes it feels like they were trying too hard—but man, when it clicks, it really clicks.
The whole thing was crafted by a tight-knit crew: Dora Carofiglio on vocals (her voice is pure silk), Lino Nicolosi pulling double duty on guitars and programming, Pino Nicolosi tickling those keyboards like a maestro, and Rossana Nicolosi laying down basslines so smooth they could melt butter. Oh, and shoutout to Anna Camposampiero for the artwork that screams ‘90s futurism without being cheesy.
Now, onto the tracks. You’ve got nine songs here, each one dripping with nostalgia and heart. But two stand out in my mind, like sticky notes on a fridge door.
First up, “Liberi.” This track hits you right in the feels. The opening synth riff feels like stepping into a dream where everything glows softly, kinda like those late-night drives when you don’t wanna go home yet. Dora’s vocals float over the melody like whispers carried by the wind. There’s something about how the lyrics talk about freedom—it’s not loud or in-your-face, more like a quiet rebellion against whatever’s holding you back. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re ready to throw your hands up and scream “Yeah!” even if you’re sitting alone in your room.
Then there’s “Questa Notte,” which is basically an anthem for anyone who’s ever stayed up way past their bedtime thinking about life. The beat has this hypnotic pulse, like a heartbeat synced to the rhythm of the universe. And oh, the harmonies! They sneak up on you halfway through, wrapping around you like a warm blanket. I swear, every time I hear it, I get lost in these little moments where the music just breathes. It’s haunting but comforting, like remembering a bittersweet memory you didn’t know you missed.
What makes this album special isn’t just the sound—it’s the vibe. Listening to Cè Un Mondo Che feels like flipping through an old photo album filled with Polaroids of people you barely remember but somehow still care about. Sure, some parts feel dated (hello, ‘90s drum machines!), but that only adds to its charm. It’s unpolished in all the right ways, like someone poured their soul into it instead of chasing trends.
Here’s the kicker though: this album came out before social media swallowed our lives whole. Can you imagine creating something like this today? No algorithms telling you what’ll blow up, no TikTok challenges dictating your creative choices. Just a bunch of talented folks making music because they loved it. Weird thought, huh?
So yeah, give Cè Un Mondo Che a spin. Let it transport you to a world where synths ruled supreme and emotions ran wild. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself stuck on repeat, humming along to “Liberi” while staring out the window at 2 AM.
