Art Cartel is New Gondoliers’ Album Out Now
Good Day Noir Family,
Listening to Art Cartel, the album from New Gondoliers, immediately takes you on a journey that is at once rooted in tradition and far from predictable.
Art Cartel is New Gondoliers’ Album Out Now
The title track, “Art Cartel,” is a fusion of folk and rock blended with Balkan influences, creating an innovative, unique atmosphere.
This opening piece hints at what’s to come: a celebration of genre-defying musical exploration that offers a fresh perspective on sound.
“Broken Record,” exemplifies the band’s modern approach to music. The song brings together diverse elements, including a touch of hip-hop, layered with an engaging theatrical flair.
The lead vocalist’s performance is dramatic, with each line delivered in a way that captures attention and evokes emotion. There’s a sense that every note, every word, is crafted to leave a lasting impact.
“Fancy & Rough” offers something a little different, with lyrics sung in a way that might remind you of Bob Dylan’s early days, mixing sharp delivery with poetic grace. The vocal line here is polished yet raw, providing the perfect balance between emotion and artistry. The song’s storytelling shines, showing a sophisticated attention to detail in lyrics and melody.
Another gem in this collection is “The City Is Not My Friend.” This track carries an unmistakable hint of Lou Reed’s influence, with its melancholic tone and introspective lyrics. The feeling evoked here is one of restless wanderlust—the kind of tune that beckons you to take a drive with no particular destination in mind, just to let the music guide you.
“Late” continues the journey, with a raw intensity that draws comparisons to the late Jim Morrison’s vocal style. There’s a mystical, almost ritualistic quality to the delivery, with the singer’s words hitting with the force of an oracle’s proclamation. As you listen, you get the sense that you are not merely hearing music but experiencing something deeper, something transcendent.
One of the most infectious tracks is “Lovers Par Excellence.” With a rhythm reminiscent of the Blues Brothers, this one’s bound to get you tapping your foot, or perhaps even dancing along. The upbeat energy is contagious, and it’s clear that this band knows how to create music that brings people together, whether for a good time or an introspective moment.
Throughout Art Cartel, the arrangements are exquisite, with intricate interludes featuring brass instruments. These elements further demonstrate the band’s exceptional musicianship and their ability to blend the traditional with the unexpected. This is an album that doesn’t just showcase the technical skill of the band but also their ability to craft songs that resonate on an emotional level.
The album closes with “Wailing Song,” which begins with a spoken message before gradually building into a full musical experience. The track is a fitting finale, encapsulating the theatrical and visionary aspects of the band’s artistic direction.
This album is a journey through sound, and New Gondoliers have created something truly memorable.
Art Cartel is New Gondoliers’ Album Out Now!
Unpredictable!
Art Cartel is New Gondoliers’ Album Out Now
New Gondoliers is a Croatian-based indie-folk / alternative pop music band. Alen Čelić, a singer-songwriter and performance artist, is at the core of the band. Alen lived most of his youth in Berlin, Germany, where he performed in theatres, wrote music, and studied stage movement. Over 10 years ago, upon his return to Croatia, Alen Čelić and Veljko Popović formed a duo that worked on songs Alen wrote in his lifelong career. Today, New Gondoliers has become one of the best live acts in Croatia, with the new album, “Art Cartel” released in 2025 to great critical acclaim.
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