24 Grana
Underpop

Finally, after much (my) anticipation, 24 Grana return to the spotlight a few years after the masterpiece "K-album," with a record whose title reveals more than one intention. That term "...pop" associated with a group that is completely independent and free, both contractually and in terms of genre, makes quite an impact.

The dichotomy is quickly explained by listening to the first tracks of the album: songs always in search of the right melody, full of immediacy and killer choruses, yet made of blood and flesh, dignity and conviction. This is the underpop of 24 Grana, the message comes through loud and clear without absurd experimentation but with sincerity and consistency. Bass and drums hit just right already in the opening track "Nella stanza," which with its 45 seconds serves as an intro to the album. The main course follows with the trio: "Stay on the edge," "Vivo in un furgone," and "Giornata psicologicamente impossibile" with a truly compelling Clash-style riff.

The album is quite varied; on one hand, it's whimsical and fun with "Psiconauta" featuring a reading-like beginning and cold, cutting atmospheres from a guitar full of crunch. On the other hand, "Il gattone" stands out, with a pseudo-Sanremo-style arrangement and lyrics halfway between the chemical and the dreamlike. Many other songs would deserve mention, but what matters is that once again, 24 Grana amaze for their skill and nonconformism, which always places them a cut above the rest, far from current trends.