MERLI ARMISA Returns with 'Capelli Argento': A Dreamlike Journey Through Sound

Four years after his remarkable debut with Lleb, musician and singer-songwriter MERLI ARMISA - stage name of Michele Boscacci - makes his highly anticipated return with Capelli Argento, the first single from his forthcoming album, set for release in spring 2025 via Dischi Sotterranei. The track, available from 26th March, signals a new chapter in his artistic evolution, blending his signature lo-fi aesthetic with an expanded and richly layered sonic palette.

Born in Sondrio, Italy, in 1996, Boscacci grew up in a musically inclined family, where the guitar played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic journey. His father, a member of the historic band Asma, nurtured his curiosity, while his brother Carlo Boscacci later carved his own path in music as the frontman of Ricche le Mura and the mind behind Bosco da Soma. A self-taught musician, MERLI ARMISA developed a distinctive sound defined by spontaneity and authenticity, drawing inspiration from artists such as Ben Howard, King Krule, Alex G, Mount Kimbie, and Mac DeMarco. His formative years were spent playing in cover bands, gradually shifting towards original songwriting - first in English and then in Italian - with a vision of crafting something uniquely his own.

His dedication led to the release of Lleb in 2021, an album lauded for its raw sincerity, earning recognition from Rockit as one of the year's standout releases. Following the album's success, he embarked on a summer tour in 2022, culminating in a performance at MIAMI Festival. However, his trajectory was abruptly interrupted by a severe motorcycle accident, forcing him into a prolonged period of recovery. Now, in 2025, he re-emerges with renewed creative energy, and Capelli Argento serves as a compelling introduction to what lies ahead.

The single unfolds as a dreamy and nostalgic stream of consciousness, spanning over five minutes with a dynamic and unpredictable structure. It begins with a delicate synthesiser arpeggio reminiscent of Four Tet, before transitioning into a psychedelic explosion of analogue instrumentation. Just when it appears to reach its distorted climax, the track unexpectedly fades out, allowing ethereal, heavily pitched, and deconstructed vocals to resurface. While maintaining the DIY and lo-fi ethos of his debut, MERLI ARMISA now ventures into more complex sonic territories, weaving loops, delays, and richly textured layers to create an immersive atmosphere. This time, the instrumentation includes piano and acoustic guitar, alongside drums played by Giacomo Ferrari (Generic Animal, Asino). To perfect the unique sonic textures, the mix was entrusted to Fight Pausa, renowned for his work with 72-Hours Post Fight, Post Nebbia, and Visconti.

The project’s live presentation will feature a full band, with Marco Bello (guitar, synth, vocals), Andrea Ceddia (bass), Lorenzo Mazzotta (drums), and Adalberto Valsecchi (sax), promising an evocative and multi-sensory experience.

Influenced by the Asian shoegaze and ambient music scene, Capelli Argento draws inspiration from cult-favourite artists such as Parannoul, Asian Glow, and Mid-Air Thief. The track also incorporates elements of Japanese visual culture, culminating in a striking sample from the anime Sonny Boy by Shingo Natsume. This haunting excerpt, appearing at the song’s conclusion, serves as a poetic reflection on time and self-perception:

"In Sonny Boy, Yamabiko is a big black dog who once was human. He doesn’t remember why he changed, only that he began believing in others more than in himself. Since then, time has passed as usual, without many chances to be wise. Who knows what it means to hold things within one’s heart? ‘How long have you been here?’ ‘5000 years.’”

With its intricate composition and introspective lyricism, Capelli Argento is a testament to MERLI ARMISA’s growth as an artist, offering listeners a deeply immersive experience that lingers long after the final notes fade. As he prepares to unveil his second album, this latest release is a compelling invitation into his ever-expanding sonic universe - one that is not to be missed.