ClaT – Il‑logico Review: A Sophisticated Synthpop Journey Through Emotion, Rhythm, and the Beauty of Contradiction

ClaT – Il‑logico
ClaT – Il‑logico

From the tranquil shores of Lake Como, Italy, emerges ClaT; the introspective and ever-evolving solo project of Claudio Tagliabue, a veteran musician whose creative journey spans decades and genres. Known initially as the singer and guitarist of the rock band Dusk, Claudio has been a steady presence in Italy’s alternative music scene since 1998. His role expanded further in 2017 when he joined punk rock band Like Looking for Gold as a bass player, showcasing his versatility and hunger for artistic exploration. ClaT’s path has never been linear, much like his music. When Dusk paused its activities, he co-founded Clearly Quite Absurd (CQA) in 2007, a project born from collaboration between passionate musicians with diverse tastes. Initially performing cover sets of ’60s and contemporary rock, the band gradually embraced original material composed by Claudio himself.

Their breakout moment came in the summer of 2008, when they won a local music competition in Cernobbio, performing songs originally written for Dusk. This victory laid the foundation for their first promo CD, recorded in 2010 with renowned drummer and producer Giordano Colombo. The tracks, Speechless, Velocity, and 28; received acclaim not only in Italy but across international audiences. In the years that followed, life led the members of CQA down different roads, and ClaT chose to venture deeper into his own artistic space. He began crafting what would eventually become his debut solo album, Directions, an emotionally charged, genre-blending body of work. Most of the album’s ten tracks were produced by Giordano Colombo at Auditoria Records in Fino Mornasco, while two bilingual tracks, recorded in both Italian and English, were produced by Fabrizio Saullo in Milan’s Saul Studio. Released under Cello Label, Directions signaled the arrival of ClaT as a self-contained creative force.

Ever curious, ClaT didn’t stop there. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, he experimented with home recordings, playing every instrument himself. This culminated in the experimental March ’20 EP, followed by thematic projects like Xmas/Time and L’ipnotica fine di settembre con tornado in via Giovio (2022). On New Year’s Eve 2023, he released Sauna Chronicles, an experimental album that further stretched his sonic palette. Looking ahead, his ambitious double album titled Logic is slated for release in 2025. ClaT is the distilled essence of Claudio Tagliabue’s lifelong commitment to musical storytelling, one that continuously defies boundaries, explores emotion, and captures the illogical beauty of being human.

Marking a bold and elegant evolution in ClaT’s musical narrative, Il‑logico arrives as a gleaming slice of Italian synthpop that fuses vintage textures with modern nuance. Released on February 28, 2025, the single sees ClaT trade his rock roots for pulsating rhythms, airy synths, and introspective lyricism, all delivered in his native Italian. It’s a track that dances in emotional grey areas, reflecting the quiet tension between heart and head, logic and impulse, clarity and chaos. Beneath its infectious groove and sleek production lies a rich, poetic commentary on the contradictions we all carry. With Il‑logico, ClaT doesn’t just offer a song, he opens a door to a feeling, a moment, and a question that lingers long after the final note fades. It’s the perfect prelude to the upcoming Logic double album and a powerful reminder that the most personal stories often resonate the loudest.

ClaT’s Il‑logico opens with a lush blend of modern synthpop aesthetics and rhythm-driven character, immediately immersing the listener in a sonic environment that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. From the very start, there’s a subtle sense of sophistication in how the textures build, light, airy synths float across the soundscape, accompanied by a rhythm that feels intentional and kinetic. The energy doesn’t overwhelm; instead, it simmers confidently with every beat. What makes the track so inviting is its balance, it’s catchy without being predictable, groovy without being gimmicky, and deeply personal without ever losing its mainstream appeal. ClaT clearly has a vision, and Il‑logico executes that vision with creative finesse.

ClaT – Il‑logico

One of the standout features of this track is its percussive heartbeat. The drumbeat isn’t your typical 4/4 pop pulse, it’s slightly off-kilter in a way that draws your ears closer, and that’s where its magic lies. There’s a funk-inspired touch in the percussions that gives the groove a refreshing lift, making the song feel like it’s always in motion, always inviting you to move. The use of syncopated claps, layered hi-hats, and crisply textured snares gives the track an infectious rhythm that compels body movement without being aggressive. These elements are woven tastefully into the mix, and combined with the swirling synth pads and mellow basslines, the instrumental foundation of Il‑logico becomes not just a backdrop, but a living, breathing entity within the song’s narrative.

Against this textured and rhythmically rich backdrop stands ClaT’s emotive vocal performance, which grounds the entire track with human warmth and lyrical clarity. His voice carries a quiet kind of intensity, a restrained emotionality that allows the listener to feel every word without being overwhelmed. The melodies are smooth and cleverly structured, rising and falling in harmony with the production. What’s remarkable is how ClaT balances vocal expressiveness with melodic control; he never oversings, and yet each phrase lands with precision and emotional resonance. His ability to infuse vulnerability into such a groove-driven framework is what sets the song apart, offering listeners both something to feel and something to vibe to in equal measure.

ClaT – Il‑logico

Lyrically, Il‑logico is a thoughtful reflection on emotional contradiction, subtly exploring the tug-of-war between logic and feeling in moments of confusion or connection. The title itself translates to The Illogical, which speaks volumes about the thematic tension ClaT is navigating. He doesn’t come across as preachy or overly poetic; instead, he expresses emotional ambiguity with disarming honesty. The lyrics are sparse but purposeful, giving listeners just enough imagery and introspection to relate without weighing down the upbeat momentum of the track. The song becomes a mirror, offering space for the listener’s own interpretation, as it navigates moments of doubt, yearning, and subtle emotional paradoxes that often don’t make sense but still feel real.

Production-wise, Il‑logico is a polished work of art, and it’s clear that great attention was paid to the spatial dynamics of the mix. The synth pads are layered thoughtfully, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere, while the bass subtly anchors the entire arrangement with groove and fluidity. The instrumental transitions, especially those between verses and choruses, are handled with nuance, allowing the song to evolve without ever feeling abrupt. There’s a crisp clarity to the instrumentation, yet enough warmth to make the entire track feel inviting. Whether you’re listening on headphones or speakers, the details in the production shine through, making the experience both intimate and immersive. ClaT’s command of both the musical and technical elements is evident throughout, and it adds another layer of artistry to an already compelling track.

Il‑logico is a beautifully crafted synthpop gem that blends emotional depth, rhythmic finesse, and lyrical genius with elegance.

In its entirety, Il‑logico is a refined slice of synthpop brilliance, charming, groovy, emotionally intelligent, and atmospherically rich. ClaT has managed to create a song that exists in two worlds at once: it’s accessible and easy to enjoy on the surface, yet layered with introspective weight for those willing to dive deeper. The track’s dual nature, sonically uplifting and thematically complex, demonstrates ClaT’s ability to translate life’s internal contradictions into sound with grace and depth. It’s the kind of song that earns repeat listens not just because of how good it sounds, but because of how it feels. And in today’s crowded musical landscape, that emotional impact is what truly makes Il‑logico stand out.

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