Rating: 9.5 / 10 Stars
SERAINA TELLI is: Seraina Telli (vocals, guitar, piano) Guest Appearances: Seraina Telli, Anna Murphy, Britta Görtz, Chris Boltendahl, Clementine Delauney, Deer Park Avenue, Rapture Boy, Kärbholz, Lee Aaron, Marc Amacher, Alexander “Lex” Wohnhaas, Calico Cooper, Violet Greens & One Man Rocks, Tete Novoa, Ohrenfeindt, John Diva and the Rockets of Love
REVIEW – Swiss multi-instrumentalist and powerhouse vocalist Seraina Telli delivers an extraordinary and deeply intimate project with her double album ‘Black ‘N’ White Sessions,’ set for release on December 6th, 2024, via Metalville Records. In this stripped-down yet powerful collection, Telli takes her music back to its roots, offering raw, acoustic versions of fan-favorite tracks alongside reimagined duets with a host of talented guest artists.
By removing the heavier instrumentation, Telli allows her soaring vocals, intricate melodies, and heartfelt storytelling to take center stage. Across 16 solo tracks and 16 collaborative renditions, she crafts an album that is powerful, vulnerable, and deeply personal.
Opening with “Black ‘N’ White,” the album immediately sets the mood, featuring delicate guitar strumming and a haunting vocal performance. “Addicted to Color” follows with a nostalgic energy, evoking a warm, retro feel, while “Wish You Well” invites the listener into an intimate sing-along moment, full of reflection and sentimentality.
The emotional weight of the album is heightened with “I’m Not Sorry”, where Telli’s powerful voice conveys themes of self-liberation and resilience. The acoustic rendition of “Not One of Your Kind” transforms the song into a deeply affecting ballad, pulling the listener into its intimate space. “Left Behind” and “Dreamer” both float effortlessly between nostalgia and melancholy, capturing a beautiful sense of longing.
“Song for the Girls” radiates empowerment and spirit, standing as an anthem for strength and self-confidence. Meanwhile, “Remedy” transports the listener to a smoky, dimly lit bar, where the sound of a single guitar fills the room with warmth and depth. The journey continues with “The Harder Way,” a soul-searching track that feels like a heartfelt confession, while “Medusa” surprises with a blues-infused, hypnotic atmosphere.
The album’s later half delivers high-energy moments and introspective ballads in equal measure. “Hit Shit” is an infectious track with a powerful vocal performance that sends chills down the spine, while “Take Care” showcases achingly beautiful melodies and deeply reflective lyrics. “Think!” feels like an intimate fireside session, capturing the spirit of spontaneous, acoustic storytelling. The album closes with “My Way,” a moving finale that encourages listeners to embrace their own journey and let emotions flow freely.
The second half of the album breathes new life into these songs, with guest appearances that add unique textures, tones, and harmonies.
The alternate version of “Black ‘N’ White” features Anna Murphy, whose ethereal harmonies enhance the track’s hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. “Addicted to Color”, now featuring Britta Görtz, gains a fresh dynamic, as their voices blend effortlessly against the stripped-down backdrop. “Wish You Well”, performed with Grave Digger, adds a classic rock touch, creating a deeper emotional pull.
One of the standout duets, “I’m Not Sorry”, showcases Clémentine Delauney’s powerful vocal contrast, amplifying the song’s raw energy and bold attitude. “Not One of Your Kind,” featuring Deer Park Avenue, adds layers of harmony and instrumentation, making the track soar with emotional intensity.
As the album unfolds, each guest artist brings their own essence into Telli’s universe. “Left Behind” with Rapture Boy introduces a haunting depth, while “Dreamer”, featuring Kärbholz, takes on a more dramatic, cinematic presence. The collaborative take on “Song for the Girls”, featuring Lee Aaron, turns the track into an uplifting and empowering duet, celebrating strength and unity.
Later, “Remedy,” with Marc Amacher, showcases a bluesier, grittier side, while “The Harder Way”, featuring Alexander Lex Wohnhaas, carries an anthemic weight that lingers long after the song ends. “Medusa” gets a dark, theatrical twist with Calico Cooper, making it one of the most captivating performances on the album.
Rounding out the tracklist, “Hit Shit” with Violet Greens keeps the energy high, while “Take Care” with Tete Novoa adds another layer of heartfelt sincerity. “Think!” featuring Ohrenfeindt, delivers a raw, gritty acoustic performance, before the album reaches its emotional peak with “My Way,” featuring John Diva & The Rockets Of Love, closing the journey on a triumphant and reflective note.
With ‘Black N’ White Sessions,’ Seraina Telli creates a masterful acoustic experience that showcases her raw vocal talent, intricate songwriting, and emotional depth. This album is a testament to her versatility as an artist, proving that a great song remains powerful, whether performed with full instrumentation or stripped down to its essence. Fans of acoustic rock, unplugged sessions, and powerful storytelling will find ‘Black N’ White Sessions’ an essential listen.
For more information on SERAINA TELLI, visit:
www.SerainaTelli.com
www.Facebook.com/SerainaTelliOfficial
www.TikTokcom/@SerainaTellieRock
www.Instagram.com/SerainaTelliOfficial
www.YouTube.com/Channel/SerainaTelliOfficial
www.Spotify.com/Artist/SerainaTelli
