The Enduring Legacy of “Fluttarn” and the Evolution of Italian Psychedelic Folk
In 2015, C+C=Maxigross released “Fluttarn,” an album hailed as one of the most vital and musically fluid contributions to the Italian experimental music scene of the decade. A decade later, on December 10, 2025, Trovarobato celebrated the album’s anniversary with a deluxe edition, offering a renewed opportunity to experience the album’s layered and trippy atmosphere, complete with added surprises for dedicated fans.
From Jam Sessions to International Recognition
The origins of C+C=Maxigross trace back to April 20, 2008, when Tobia Poltronieri, Filippo Brugnoli and Francesco Ambrosini decided to form a band during a countryside outing in the hills of Cavalo, Verona. Their initial goal was simply to play music for enjoyment, a playful spirit encapsulated by the local expression tirarsi la tega – to become so absorbed in an experience that time ceases to matter. Carlotta Favretto joined the group in the fall of the same year, becoming a key figure in the band’s early, lo-fi phase, influenced by American Indie Folk artists like Fleet Foxes and Animal Collective.
The band quickly gained momentum, culminating in a win at the Arezzo Wave festival in 2012 as the best emerging band. This victory led to an invitation to the CMJ Marathon in New York City in October of the same year. Their early operate included the EP “Singar” (2011), which received positive critical reviews, and their first full-length album, “Ruvain” (2013). Around this time, Carlotta and the instrumentalist Trambu decided to pursue other paths due to professional differences.
The Miles Cooper Seaton Influence and the Birth of “Fluttarn”
“Fluttarn”’s story is inextricably linked to the late Miles Cooper Seaton, co-founder of the cult New York-based Weird Folk band Akron/Family. Seaton was invited to the first Lessinia Psych Fest, organized by C+C=Maxigross in the Lessini Mountains in 2014. This encounter sparked both an artistic and personal connection, leading Seaton to relocate to Italy in 2015 and live with the band at Casa Tega, a communal house and recording studio in Vaggimal, near Verona.
Seaton’s presence proved transformative. He guided the band towards improvisation and a deconstruction of traditional song structures, resulting in an album with expansive and psychedelic atmospheres, drawing inspiration from bands like the Grateful Dead and The Beatles.
Deconstructing “Fluttarn”: A Track-by-Track Exploration
“You Won’t Wait at the Arrival” serves as an entrancing, a cappella introduction to the world of “Fluttarn,” setting the stage for the suspended atmospheres that define the album. “Born into it” establishes the sonic landscape, a patchwork of solemn and ironic moments. “Bruce Skate” showcases a lighter energy, driven by a tight rhythmic groove and a kinetic vocal line. “Every Time I Listen to the Stones” evokes a 1960s King’s Road vibe, while “Let It Go” offers a relaxed, hypnotic soundscape. “All That I’ve Done to Be So Lonely” transitions into the delicate folk-rock of “Est 1973.”
“An Afternoon With Paul” pays homage to Paul McCartney, while “Moon Boots” begins as a sunny, carefree tune before transforming into an acid trip. The original album concludes with “Rather Than St. Valentine’s Day Pt. III,” a suite that encapsulates the album’s diverse elements.
The Deluxe Edition: Unearthing Hidden Gems
The deluxe edition of “Fluttarn” includes three previously unreleased outtakes and “31D,” originally featured on the 2024 compilation “Musica, Troppa Musica, Vol. 2.” The band described these bonus tracks as retaining the same fresh, mountain atmosphere that inspired their exploration of psychedelia. “Jesus Christ Super Prog” features a prominent synth theme and extended electric guitar solo, while “Cream Crimson” is introduced by an apocalyptic riff. “Maracuja” captures a relaxed, impromptu jam session, and “31D” provides a mesmerizing conclusion.
Looking Ahead: The Band’s Continued Evolution
Since Miles Cooper Seaton’s passing in February 2021, C+C=Maxigross have continued to evolve, remaining true to his vision. Since 2019, their music has embraced Italian lyrics and a more direct sound, culminating in the two chapters of “Nuova Era Oscura” in 2025. “Fluttarn” remains a pivotal moment in their journey, a turning point for a band that began as a playful jam session and has become a significant force in the international psychedelic scene.
Track List: “Fluttarn (Delusso Edition 2015-2025)”
- You Won’t Wait at the Arrival
- Born into it
- Bruce Skate
- Every Time I Listen to the Stones
- Let It Go
- All That I’ve Done to Be so Lonely
- Est 1973
- An Afternoon With Paul
- Moon Boots
- Rather Than St. Valentine’s Day Pt. III
- Jesus Christ Super Prog
- Cream Crimson
- Maracuja
- 31D
C+C=Maxigross online:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccmaxigross
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ccmaxigross
FAQ
- What is the significance of “Fluttarn” for C+C=Maxigross?
- “Fluttarn” is considered a pivotal moment in the band’s career, marking a shift towards a more expansive and psychedelic sound.
- Who was Miles Cooper Seaton and how did he influence the album?
- Miles Cooper Seaton was a musician from Akron/Family who lived with C+C=Maxigross during the making of “Fluttarn” and guided them towards improvisation and deconstructing song structures.
- What does the deluxe edition of “Fluttarn” include?
- The deluxe edition includes three previously unreleased outtakes and the track “31D.”
