Italian multi-instrumentalist Alessio Ferrari, under his moniker Upupayāma, is back with his latest work, Mount Elephant, set to release on September 13th via Fuzz Club. The lead single, “Moon Needs The Owl Pt. 1,” offers a preview of the album’s eclectic blend of influences and Ferrari’s unique musical vision.
“Moon Needs The Owl Pt. 1” kicks off with a classic rock vibe, where layered guitars weave an intricate tapestry, leading listeners on an upbeat psychedelic journey. The track, inspired by the sounds of a 1970s Thai disco, begins with an infectious groove before gently fading into a dreamy, meditative haze. Ferrari even incorporated the sound of smashing empty wine bottles to evoke the playful and chaotic energy of the imagined scene.
Ferrari describes the creation of Mount Elephant as an exploration of listening—whether it’s to the silence in nature, the sensations in the body while dancing, or the world around him. The album takes inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including traditional Bhutanese music, Thai disco, and Anatolian psych, all filtered through a lens of lysergic acid-folk, ’70s kosmische, and stoner rock. Despite its heavier use of fuzz, Ferrari characterizes the record as more relaxed and rhythmically playful than his previous work.
Recorded entirely by Ferrari in his home barn studio in a small mountain village overlooking Parma, Mount Elephant showcases his prowess as a one-man band. On this album, Ferrari plays everything from guitars and keys to more unconventional instruments like the flute, sitar, erhu, and a wide array of percussion. The recordings were later mixed by Chris Smith at Kluster Sounds, known for his work with Kikagaku Moyo and Wax Machine.
Ferrari’s approach to music is one of playful exploration rather than calculated maturity. He rejects the notion that albums must signify artistic growth or maturity, instead embracing the childlike wonder that infuses his creative process. Mount Elephant promises to be a vibrant and imaginative addition to Upupayāma’s discography, with “Moon Needs The Owl Pt. 1” setting the stage for the sonic adventure that lies ahead.