Equ, an Italian musical collective, emerged in the early 2000s, captivating audiences with their ethereal vocals and haunting melodies. However, their journey has been intertwined with challenges and controversies.
Members and Origin:
Equ is composed of four talented artists:
* Francesca Sangalli: Lead vocalist, known for her captivating and emotive soprano * Andrea Parodi: Acoustic guitarist and backing vocalist * Maurizio Fiordiliso: Keyboardist and accordionist * Alessandro Gwis: Bassist and backing vocalist
The ensemble's musical roots lie in traditional Italian folk, but Equ's sound transcends genre boundaries, incorporating elements of ambient, electronica, and classical music.
Challenges:
Equ's path has not been without its obstacles. Their unique style often faced resistance from the mainstream music industry, who struggled to categorize them. Additionally, Francesca Sangalli's health issues, including a vocal cord hemorrhage, threatened to derail their early success.
Controversies:
In 2008, Equ's performance of the song "Carezze Di Passaggio" at the Sanremo Festival sparked a public outcry. The song's lyrics, which some interpreted as promoting violence against women, drew widespread criticism. Equ vehemently denied these accusations, stating that the song was a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships.
Discography:
Despite the controversies, Equ has released a series of critically acclaimed albums:
* "Equ" (2004): their debut album, showcasing their signature blend of ethereal vocals and acoustic instrumentation * "Echo" (2007): a more experimental album that incorporated electronica and ambient soundscapes * "Terzo" (2010): a return to their acoustic roots, with a focus on traditional folk melodies * "Equ IV" (2013): a collection of songs that explored themes of love, loss, and redemption
Equ's music has garnered praise for its haunting melodies, evocative lyrics, and Francesca Sangalli's exceptional vocal abilities. Despite the challenges and controversies they have faced, Equ remains a unique and compelling force in the musical landscape.