On April 10, 2025, the long-awaited album "post mortem" by the Italian band i cani was released on all digital platforms, marking a significant return after nine years since their last album, "Aurora." The band, led by singer-songwriter Niccolò Contessa, surprised fans with this unannounced release, showcasing a collection of thirteen new tracks that delve into the complexities of modern life.
"Non se lo aspettava nessuno. Lo stavamo aspettando tutti," remarked the label 42 Records, encapsulating the mixed feelings of anticipation and surprise that fans experienced. This latest offering from i cani was recorded at Pot Pot Studio, where Contessa not only wrote and performed the album but also took on production duties alongside Andrea Suriani, who handled mixing and mastering.
"post mortem" represents the fourth studio album for i cani, following their previous works: "Il sorprendente album d’esordio de i cani" in 2011, "Glamour" in 2013, and "Aurora" in 2016. The shift in the band’s name to lowercase—i cani—adds a touch of modernity and reflects a subtle evolution in their artistic identity.
The album opens with the title track "post mortem," a brief yet haunting instrumental piece that sets the tone for the introspective journey that follows. The tracks vary in length, with the title track clocking in at just 1 minute and 55 seconds, while "felice," the next track, stretches to 4 minutes and 30 seconds. The lyrics throughout the album are characterized by a blend of cynicism and poetry, reflecting on existential themes and the human condition.
One standout lyric from the song "Nella parte del mondo in cui sono nato" resonates deeply: "Nella parte del mondo in cui sono nato / tutto è già stato detto tutto è già stato pensato," which translates to "In the part of the world where I was born / everything has already been said, everything has already been thought." This line encapsulates the album's exploration of daily hypocrisies and personal accountability.
As the album progresses, listeners are taken through a sonic landscape that oscillates between moments of despair and bursts of euphoria. The track "un'altra onda" closes the album with imagery of waves and liberation, inviting listeners to surrender to the music and the moment.
The return of i cani comes at a time when the Italian indie scene is ripe for resurgence. After nearly a decade of silence, fans speculated endlessly about the possibility of new music. In the interim, Contessa had been involved in various projects, including a split album with the band Baustelle and several singles like "Fiore" in 2022, but nothing compared to the anticipation surrounding a full album.
In a world where the music industry often favors quick releases, Contessa's dedication to crafting meaningful songs over a long period has set i cani apart. "Se ci vogliono nove anni per un disco, ci devi mettere nove anni," he stated, emphasizing the importance of patience and artistry in the creative process.
Despite the long wait, "post mortem" has been met with excitement and acclaim, with many praising its depth and lyrical content. The album's themes resonate with listeners, exploring the struggles of adulthood, the search for happiness, and the complexities of human relationships.
As i cani steps back into the limelight, they do so with a sound that is distinctly their own, blending elements of pop and indie rock while maintaining a unique voice. The album not only marks a return but also signifies a new chapter for the band, one that promises to engage both long-time fans and new listeners alike.
In a reflective moment, Contessa remarked, "Al centro di tutto c'è la musica, quindi zero chiacchiere, zero immagine. Tutto quello che c'è da scoprire è nel disco," which translates to "At the center of it all is music, so zero chatter, zero image. Everything that needs to be discovered is in the album." This philosophy underlines the essence of i cani's artistry—music that speaks for itself.
As the music world continues to evolve, the return of i cani with "post mortem" serves as a reminder of the power of patience and the importance of artistic integrity. With their new album, Contessa and his bandmates invite listeners to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of sound and thought, ensuring that the wait was indeed worth it.
