Ceretana is an Americana and indie-folk duo made up of Chris Mignanelli and Marty Moran. Known for blending poetic storytelling with rich, guitar-driven folk-rock, the pair have carved out a sound that feels both timeless and modern. Their third album, Champagne, builds on the success of their acclaimed sophomore record Failing East, showing the duo at their most reflective and refined.
Track by Track
Champagne
The title track opens with a smooth, wistful tone that perfectly sets the mood. “Champagne” feels like a celebration tinged with nostalgia. Ceretana’s vocals glide over crisp percussion and sparkling synth layers, while the lyrics reflect on finding small joys even in the midst of uncertainty. It’s the kind of opener that feels both confident and intimate.
1000 Miles
This track shifts the vibe, bringing in a steady tempo and rich guitar tones. The song is about distance, both literal and emotional, and how love stretches and bends when life gets in the way. The vocals have a yearning quality that pulls you in, and the chorus feels like driving through open highways at night with someone you miss on your mind.
Oh No
“Oh No” brings a punchier energy. The production feels tight and modern, pairing smooth basslines with a hint of piano. The lyrics talk about bad habits and repeating mistakes, and the way Ceretana delivers them makes it playful but self-aware. It’s one of the catchiest songs on the record and adds a needed jolt to the flow.
Suit
Here, Ceretana leans into attitude and swagger. “Suit” feels bold, full of self-assurance and wit. The groove is infectious, and the vocal phrasing is sharp. The song celebrates confidence in a way that feels empowering, not forced. It’s stylish and smooth, like something you’d hear strutting down a city street late at night.
Think of Me
“Think of Me” slows things down and adds emotional depth. It’s a bittersweet ballad about being remembered long after love fades. The piano-driven arrangement gives the vocals room to shine, and you can hear genuine emotion in every note. It’s heartfelt and beautifully understated.
You
This is one of the standout tracks on the album. “You” feels deeply personal and cinematic. The verses are soft and confessional, while the chorus swells into something powerful. The production is layered yet warm, and Ceretana’s delivery feels both fragile and fearless. It’s the kind of song that stays with you.
Barroom Elegy
“Barroom Elegy” tells a story straight out of a dimly lit lounge. There’s a storytelling element here that recalls Americana influences, with dusty guitars, harmonica and soulful vocals. It’s reflective and mature, a quiet standout for how it captures emotion without overcomplicating things.
Let It Go
“Let It Go” blends a pop sensibility with soft rock textures, with the piano at the forefront. The lyrics are about releasing what’s out of your control, and the song feels like a breath of fresh air after the emotional weight of the previous tracks. It’s freeing and hopeful, a clear turning point in the album.
Wait for It
This track carries a mix of patience and anticipation. The rhythm builds slowly, mirroring the theme of waiting for something real. The vocals shimmer over an understated beat, and by the chorus, the payoff feels earned. It’s subtle but beautifully arranged. It picks up the pace a bit but never rushed.
Love Me Like I Am
A heartfelt plea wrapped in simple but powerful lyrics. The message is clear: love me for who I am, not who you want me to be. The production is stripped back, giving the vocals space to breathe. The sincerity in the tone of the vocals makes this one hit hard emotionally.
Gone
The next track, “Gone” ties everything together perfectly. It’s melancholic but peaceful, ending the album on a reflective note. The track feels like saying goodbye to both a person and a version of yourself. Ceretana leaves you with a sense of closure, but also an open-ended feeling that mirrors real life.
This River
The true closer eases in like dusk settling over water. A gentle guitar figure and a steady pulse carry Ceretana’s most reflective vocal on the record. Lyrically, it feels like surrender in the best sense, letting the current take what needs to go and trusting what remains. The arrangement stays calm and patient while subtle swells rise and fall around her voice. When it ends, there is quiet, not emptiness. It lands like acceptance.
Final Thoughts
Champagne is an album that balances confidence and vulnerability in equal measure. Each track feels distinct but connected, creating a cohesive listening experience that flows effortlessly. Ceretana shows their range not only vocally but emotionally, blending bold pop moments with introspective ballads. It’s an album that sparkles with honesty, one that invites you to listen closely and maybe even see yourself in the lyrics.
What did you think of the new album? Stay tuned to MusicOnTheRox.com for all your music news and reviews.
