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  • ‘Europop’: Ostia’s bold, bilingual Italo-fusion

Album review

‘Europop’: Ostia’s bold, bilingual Italo-fusion

Albertine Sarges and Lo Selbos' alias Ostia are returning to the scene with an impressively creative, synth-driven Italo-pop record. ★★★★

Photo: Aleksander Stojanov

Seven years after their last joint release, Berlin’s indie star Albertine Sarges and Sebastian Eppner (aka Lo Selbo) have reunited for an album of synth-driven Italo pop. Previously known under the name Itaca, Sarges and Eppner have rebranded with this third record to Ostia, named after the place of their first show in Italy.

Their latest release, Europop, is a moody, bilingual blend of romantic Neapolitan vibes, combining euphoric electronic elements popularised by The Human League and more obscure Italian neo-pop synth sounds. Though reminiscent of something you might hear at Eurovision, Europop offers more than just catchy tunes.

The album’s depth and Sarges’ profound operatic vocals elevate it to something truly grandiose, celebrating everything that makes Europe special: Italo-synth music, 80s nostalgia, great musicianship, a fusion of international styles, and bold conceptual creativity. ★★★★

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