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Shardana: the concept
The Shardana (or Sherden) were one of the Sea Peoples, famous for being the personal guard of Ramses II, one of the most influential pharaohs of all time. Their hhgrandeur in battle can be guessed from the few writings found by archaeologists, but the most attentive historians have found their traces throughout the Mediterranean, the Baltic and even South Africa. Traces of artifacts, Nuragic bronzes, weapons, monuments of imposing stone, bas-reliefs and mines.
It seems now established that Sardinia took its name from this people, whose origin is not yet known. Hence the mystery of the Sardinian people and their birth, but above all the mystery of their uniqueness. It seems that the Shardana have had intense contacts with peoples of the north and the Middle East, so deep and recurring that it is difficult to understand where it all started.
For us, Shardana is a concept that has overturned everything we knew about our history and our present. It is a return to the origins, it is to discover that thousands of years ago, before writing, people were mixing, fighting for territories, trading and exploring.
Shardana: the album
In the new album Magasin du Café insert as a novelty some lyrics, to better explain the cultural concept behind their musical creations, unlike previous albums in which the voice was used as a musical instrument.
The story told is that of a Shardana warrior who leaves from Sardinia, takes part in piracy campaigns against Egypt, offers himself as Ramses II's personal guard, takes part in the battle of Qadesh. Living at court, he discovers the enormous sacred and esoteric wisdom of Ancient Egypt, entering into respectful relationships with priests and aristocrats. This new knowledge led him to search for his origins, the origins of the human being and of the Gods. On a journey of unification, to return to where it all began, he sets out to reach the far north, towards what the Greeks will call thousands of years after Hyperborea.
The album has sounds that recall prog rock, post rock and world music. The electronics give rhythm and a sometimes hypnotic sound, as well as the voices with ancestral sounds of the ancient Sardinians and the harmonies of the East.
Once again, emotion is at the center of the compositions, this time combined with an original and little-explored concept: the prehistoric origin of our world, made up of struggles, loves, discoveries. Ultra-modern and universal themes.
Line-Up
Mattia Floris: Voice, Acoustic Guitar
Giulia Subba: Violin
Alberto Santoru: Double Bass, Percussions, Effects
Denny Bertone: Lap Steel Guitar, Electric Guitar
Davide Borra: Accordion, Synth, Effects
The Band
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Magasin du Café are the essence of World Music in a modern key.
The roots of the band go back to Sardinia, where the "Shardana" Sea Peoples lived thousands of years ago and sailed from the Baltic to Egypt and Zimbabwe; peoples who did not belong to any kingdom or dynasty, but simply belonged to the sea.
The show is an experience to be lived by letting oneself go to what they call "flow”.
Also, the show is a tribute to nature, life, freedom, capable of bringing the audience into an almost hypnotic state, often driving it to dance free.
Music that speaks to us of distant traditions, in which the great North mixes with the East, the shamanic songs of America and Africa become modern.
In one word: universal music, exotic sounds without clear geographical connotations; they mix Rock, Folk, Prog in a constant and flowing dialogue between the five musicians.
They also love to play in uncontaminated places deeply absorbed into the Nature (mountain lakes, rivers, woods, beaches, forests).
Following their philosophy where Mother Nature gives us all what we need, they also deliver a green / zero impact show, where PA / lights are fully powered by a bicycle.