Roz Pappalardo and Anthony Dettori may live hundreds of kilometres apart but that hasn’t stopped them forming a band together, called Lontano, which is Italian for ‘distant’ or ‘far away’. Pappalardo has been a member of women in docs and The Soldier’s Wife, and also released music as a solo artist, while Dettori is a member of Brisbane band The Sunburys. Lontano have already released two singles, ‘Adelaide’ and ‘Half Seas’, and have just released their third, ‘December’.
As its title suggest, ‘December’ captures some seasonal experiences – specifically, how the weight of festive expectations can exacerbate difficulties that arise when two people who care deeply for each other are separated by distance. It acknowledges that loneliness can be a feature of this time of year, and not only if you’re physically far apart from those you love, because sometimes circumstances, feelings and opinions makes us feel distant. The pared-back instrumentation in the song allows Pappalardo’s and Dettori’s voices to be at the forefront, singing separately and as one, showing us that delicate dance of being together but not.
‘December’ will appear on Lontano’s self-titled debut album, which is scheduled for digital release in February 2022 – but those who prefer CD and vinyl can already buy it at the Lontano shop.
Listen to ‘December’ on Apple Music | Spotify