Venturing beyond the common perception of music from Italy, this edition digs deep into that country’s culture, past all of its mainstream glitz and into the heart of the thriving revivalist scene that is keeping its rich folklore very much alive. This Italian Musical Odyssey flits up and down the Mediterranean peninsula for its content, from Piemonte down to Sicily via Umbria and Naples, even sidestepping into neighbouring island Sardinia for a more particular taste of Italian culture.

It is this variation that gives this volume its character. Portrayed by some of the leading musicians on the county’s neo-folk circuit, such as Agricantus, Riccardo Tesi, Lucilla Galeazzi and Calic. Despite being deeply entrenched in folkloric inspiration, the approach of the artists is not necessarily always traditional. Sicilians Agricantus, for example, are known for their modern approach, which has resulted in the band gaining popularity with younger generations. On the other hand, others stick to the roots of their heritage, even pushing it deeper into its origins. Riccardo Tesi’s Il Battagliero is a case in point, stretching back to a sound that is also common in the heritage of other countries around the world. Calic bring in the unique flavour of their native Sardinia, tinged with its cross-cultural references inherited through its geographical position. Very much a world music record from start to end, this album is enlightening in its support of genuine Italian culture and certainly vivid in its choice of tracks.