Mabe Fratti’s “Sentir Que No Sabes”: Embracing Uncertainty Through Sound

Guatemalan-Mexican cellist and composer Mabe Fratti’s fourth studio album, Sentir Que No Sabes (Feel Like You Don’t Recognize), released in June 2024, is a compelling exploration of curiosity and the acceptance of not knowing. Produced by I. La Católica (Héctor Tosta), the album blends experimental impulses with a more accessible, pop-leaning structure, marking a continuation of Fratti’s genre-blurring approach.

From Classical Roots to Experimental Exploration

Born in Guatemala and now based in Mexico, Fratti’s musical upbringing included Christian and classical music. Still, the discovery of experimental composers like György Ligeti through Limewire as a teenager broadened her musical horizons. This diverse influence is evident throughout Sentir Que No Sabes, with tracks like “Pantalla Azul” (“Blue Screen”) showcasing a playful experimentation with styles ranging from goth rock to new age, always grounded in Fratti’s melodic sensibility.

A Sonic Landscape of Unease and Beauty

The album opens with “Kravitz,” a track characterized by the resonant pluck of Fratti’s cello, reminiscent of an upright bass, set against a driving kick and snare. Lyrically, the song introduces a sense of paranoia, with Spanish lyrics referencing ears in the ceiling and the feeling of being watched. This undercurrent of unease permeates the album, balanced by lush arrangements and moments of surprising catchiness. Tracks like “Oídos” (“Ears”) lean into chamber pop, featuring echoed cello, plaintive trumpet, and autoharp-like sounds.

Production as a Unifying Force

I. La Católica’s production plays a crucial role in unifying the album’s disparate elements. The production style prevents the combination of delicate horns, atonal strings, and digital synths from feeling disjointed, instead creating a cohesive atmosphere. Lightly crushed drums and a consistent undercurrent of unease tie the various sonic textures together.

Experimental Interludes and Pop Sensibilities

While Sentir Que No Sabes incorporates experimental interludes like “Elástica I” and “Elástica II,” the album’s strength lies in its ability to integrate these impulses into more approachable and catchy songs. This approach distinguishes Fratti from artists like Arthur Russell, who often maintained a clearer separation between his avant-garde and pop compositions. Fratti, particularly in her function with the duo Titanic, actively seeks to break down these boundaries.

Embracing the Unknown

The title of the album, Sentir Que No Sabes, encapsulates its central theme: embracing curiosity and the discomfort of not knowing. As Fratti herself describes it, this is a state of openness, “soft like jello,” where ideas can grow and change. The album is not about providing answers, but about inviting listeners to dwell in the space of questioning.

Track Listing

• Kravitz
• Pantalla azul
• Elástica II
• Oídos
• Quieras o no
• Enfrente
• Elástica I
• Márgen de índice
• Alarmas olvidadas
• Descubrimos un suspiro
• Intento fallido
• Kitana
• Angel nuevo

Sentir Que No Sabes is available as a digital album and a deluxe LP.