The band SKALD just launched their second album, titled Morsa, and yes we at the New Life Bar - Mqabba and il-Kamra ta' Fuq, had the honour of being part of the album launching event.
Picture this: a percussionist walks into a bar, and if that percussionist happens to be Bertu Aquilina from Skald, and the bar in question is New Life Bar - Mqabba, which sits just beneath the exhibition space of il-Kamra ta' Fuq, well, magic is bound to happen. Whether it's thanks to the delicious ftira, the charming entertainment of Antoine Farrugia who runs the bar, or the fact that both the bar and exhibition space are fast becoming a cultural hub where ideas spark and projects take flight - another beautiful collaboration was born.
I'm not writing this because I know anything about music, but because I genuinely fell in love with this band. I admit, I'd heard of Skald before, but I wasn't really following them. Of course, I knew Bertu from countless ftiras and even more te fit-tazza moments, but I heard them live for the first time at il-Kamra ta' Fuq. And yes, I still don't know how we managed to fit five musicians and another 15 people into that room, but somehow it worked - thanks, of course, to Bertu. He'd been measuring the space, counting how many tiles each person would take up, and somehow convinced us it was possible. And it was!
When I arrived at the bar that evening, the band was already upstairs rehearsing. That's when I first heard it - this captivating voice and music flowing down the stairs. And from that moment, I was hooked.
The event at our exhibition space was a pre-album launch teaser, held on 19 April. It was an evening where music, art and literature converged. Skald's performance was interwoven with the exhibition we had at the time - [Un]Veiled by Andrew Zarb - along with poetry readings by Prof. Joe Friggieri and Sylvana Zarb. It was a night where the creative energies of different forms came together, and it was pure magic.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Skald, here's a quick background. First and foremost, all of their songs are in Maltese, and they have a knack for reviving some of the lesser-known words of the language. Lyrically, they dive into political issues, heartbreak (though not the sappy kind - more of the "pick yourself up and move on" variety), and a range of social concerns. And if that weren't enough, they're a five-man band that's always impeccably dressed.
The name Skald carries a dual significance, drawn from two distinct cultural roots. In Maltese, "skald" translates to "splinters", symbolising fragments that come together to form something new. However, in ancient Scandinavian tradition, a "Skald" was a poet who composed and recited epic poems and hymns, often celebrating the heroics of warriors and noble figures. These dual meanings resonate deeply with the band's mission: to take the rich splinters of their musical heritage and weave them into a new, vibrant expression that honours both tradition and innovation. And speaking of splinters... What do you use to get one out? Tweezers! Which, by the way, are part of the band's witty and unique merchandise!
The members of Skald began their musical journeys early in life, each cultivating their craft through different genres and styles. From classical to folk, rock to ethnic rhythms, their backgrounds are as varied as their sounds. The band formed with a shared vision: to create music that transcends boundaries, drawing from their diverse influences while grounding their work in Maltese cultural traditions. Each member of Skald brings a distinctive voice and energy, contributing to the band's rich and textured sound.
Bertu Aquilina, the percussionist, comes from the eclectic world of ethnic music. His rhythmic prowess adds a unique layer to the band's sound, grounding their music in an ancient and modern global tradition. He always seems to have around 20 instruments hidden behind his drums, which suddenly emerge during particular songs and disappear stealthily after their number is done.
Gabriel Gauci, on violin, invokes the discipline and refinement of classical music, weaving in harmonies that lend an orchestral depth to the band's compositions. The always-smiling Simon Bezzina, with his bass guitar, brings the raw strength of rock and blues. His bold and powerful lines infuse the band's music with a gritty energy, balancing the ethereal with the earthy. Jesmar Bezzina, a true guardian of Malta's folk heritage, interprets traditional Maltese folk music adding a deep sense of place and identity to Skald's work, grounding the band's innovation in their roots.
Last but seriously not least, is the band's vocalist and songwriter, Aaron Debattista, who serenades listeners with his emotionally charged voice, which can stir the soul and make the heart skip a beat at the same time. His acoustic guitar acts as the thread that binds the diverse sounds of Skald, seamlessly tying together their musical energies. Sublime.
Back to the big event - the launch of their second album, Morsa, at the Junior College Theatre - where we were there collaborating with Antoine Farrugia, Josette Falzon and Silvana Callus, directly from the New Life Bar. Il-Kamra ta' Fuq and Art Sweven collaborated with an impromptu non-thematic exhibition, where we exhibited 11 artworks by nine artists who were part of some of our past exhibitions.
Fabio Borg presented one of his atmospheric landscapes, while Peter Seychell displayed a large abstract piece - an almost primal scream of freedom. Sarah Calleja took a bold step away from her signature landscapes with an unexpected abstract work. Ruben Formosa intrigued viewers with a sculpture in olive wood and Dave Calleja transported us into his surrealist world with his metal sculpture. Antoine Farrugia exhibited two abstract form sculptures, a departure from his characteristic smooth finishes. Patrick Dalli contributed one of his semi-abstract landscapes, teetering on the edge of the surreal. Darren Tanti exhibited a piece from his experimental Remember/Dismember series, and although our colleague Andrew Zarb couldn't be with us due to health reasons, he was represented through two photographic works from his Plastic Faith/Fate series.
The concert was a spectacle - both in its music and atmosphere. The audience was treated to a mix of songs from Skald's first album as well as their newly released Morsa. One of the most touching moments was a tribute song dedicated to the memory of their recently lost friend, artist Mark Mallia. Midway through the concert, the audience was further captivated by a powerful poetry reading from Gabriel Lia, adding an extra layer of depth to an already unforgettable evening.
Skald is more than just a band; they are a movement. Through their music, they seek to honour the past while forging a new path forward, combining the traditional with the experimental. Drawing inspiration from Malta's rich cultural tapestry, Skald's compositions are a celebration of the island's heritage, reinvigorated by the innovative spirit of its people.
In an ever-changing world, Skald's music serves as a reminder that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces, but can coexist, enriching one another and creating something truly extraordinary.
For more information about the new album and other events by Skald, check out their page on Facebook or Instagram