Almamegretta
DubFellas

2006 - "DubFellas" the latest extraordinary project of the great Neapolitan group.

It is the end of October 2004, when Stefano Facchielli alias D. RaD, the creator of the dub-sound "Alma," dies in a car accident. The group is practically disoriented and on the verge of an imminent breakdown without return, immersed in a very delicate moment like the ongoing winter tour. Thanks to the support shown by their fans, they manage to surprisingly stay afloat, and to honor Stefano's work and commitment, fully aware of the enormous and demanding future difficulties, they decide to carry on all their projects.

"DubFellas" is born, but why this title? "Dub" because it is essentially part of their DNA as well as vital oxygen, clean sounds, precise, linear, echoes and slowed rhythms, perfectly paced, while "Fellas" because they wanted to pay homage to Martin Scorsese's film "Goodfellas," seeing themselves as neighborhood scoundrels, grown together through work and personal experiences, sometimes losing themselves along the way and reconciling later. This is what they wanted to convey through the comic on the cover, chaotic everyday life immersed in a perfectly depicted Neapolitan alley. This album was entirely recorded at home amidst all the comings and goings typical of a very frequented household, as if by challenge, at lightning speed, practically in less than a month, but what about the result? Great and surprising, often the best things are made in the shortest time possible without overthinking.

Almamegretta is one of the most genuine and innovative Italian bands in terms of experimentation regarding music and lyrics, they make "Dub" the pioneering core of the entire Album, as the tracks are mainly instrumental, blending Mediterranean origins, funky, reggae, rhythm and blues, and Arabic recalls, as in the opening track "Why Not" or "Don't Say," and I would say they are fantastic, but in my opinion, "Hey Man" remains unsurpassable and favored. There are nine tracks that blend hypnotic sounds with a total relaxation effect and full exteriorization, which is the basis of "Dub," that is, the art of slow flowing in continuous construction and destruction and of a delightful cloyingness, as in "Goin' Home" and "Zafra."

Therefore, space for the widest and most total creative freedom and coherent renewal in musical avant-garde beyond time, but without ever forgetting, indeed emphasizing, that everything they have done before from 1993 to 2004 exists and will remain forever written in Italian musical history.

I recommend it to all lovers of the Italian "dub-sound" by... Almamegretta, unmissable if you can find it!