Mardi Gras – 'Sandcastle': An Introspective Journey

Mardi Gras have returned with their fourth studio album, Sandcastle, a work of striking depth and intensity that extends far beyond music alone. The record is accompanied by a Graphic Musical, based on an original treatment written by Sante Sabbatini, Francesco Braida and Filippo Novelli, that weaves an enthralling and emotionally charged narrative.

The album opens a window onto an introspective journey filled with raw emotion, exploring themes of human fragility, insecurity, resilience, and beauty. As a body of work, Sandcastle is not merely an album but a fully realised artistic project that combines story, sound, and atmosphere in equal measure.

The Concept Behind Sandcastle

The accompanying story follows Nicholas and Cecilia, a brother and sister living in Jersey City after the tragic loss of their parents to the occupants of a black car. Their lives are shaped by hardship, survival, and moral compromise, particularly as Nicholas, a child prodigy subjected to relentless bullying, becomes entangled in the murky dealings of Don “Nate” Caruso, a local mob boss.

As Nicholas takes on a new identity as “Julian” at the elite Strand School, the siblings’ lives spiral deeper into a world of corruption, power struggles, and dangerous secrets. Cecilia’s harrowing encounter with Sebastian, the son of a powerful media magnate, and her subsequent accident at the hands of the mysterious black car push Nicholas into a vengeful descent. The tale encapsulates a universal theme: when a good boy turns bad, everything and everyone who put him down will burn.

The Music

The first single from the album, Lia’s Theme, provides an evocative glimpse into the soundscape of Sandcastle. It is available now on YouTube and streaming on Spotify. The track exemplifies the group’s ability to intertwine emotive storytelling with rich musical textures.

The ensemble behind the album is:

• Liina Rätsep: vocals

• Fabrizio Fontanelli: acoustic guitar

• Alessandro Matilli: piano & keyboards

• Carlo Di Tore Tosti: bass

• Valerio Giovanardi: drums

• Fabrizio Del Marchesato: electric guitar

Each musician contributes to the album’s layered sound, creating a blend of intimacy and intensity that mirrors the emotional weight of the narrative.

Mardi Gras: A Journey Through Music

Mardi Gras’ career stretches back to 2006, when they released their debut album Drops Made. Gaining recognition from Irish music press, the band embarked on extensive tours, particularly in Ireland, first as an acoustic duo and later as a full electric band. Over the years, they have shared stages with the likes of Glen Hansard and The Frames, Billy Bragg, Noah and the Whale, and Micah P. Hinson, while also gracing major festivals and independent showcases.

Their music has been praised for its emotional honesty and social conscience, with Neil Young selecting two of their songs for his Songs of the Times project, dedicated to anti-war, peace, and protest music. Subsequent albums Among the Streams and Playground saw the band recording in Rome, Nashville, and Abbey Road, refining their sound and securing their place as one of Italy’s premier live acts.

In recent years, Mardi Gras have continued to release singles, including the benefit track One Guitar in aid of Parkinson’s research, and a collaboration with Irish singer-songwriter Mark Geary. In May 2021, they were highlighted by Reader’s Digest as one of seven European acts to watch, praised for their intriguing mix of pop, rock, soul, and influences ranging from Irish country to grunge.

Sandcastle: A New Chapter

With Sandcastle, Mardi Gras have taken their artistry to another level. More than just an album, it is a conceptual and emotional experience, a piece of work that dares to blur the boundaries between music, literature, and theatre.

It is an album that asks listeners to reflect not only on Nicholas and Cecilia’s journey, but also on the universal struggles of fragility, survival, and the hidden strength that emerges in times of darkness.