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Rating:
THE REVIEW
In the past, I would have definitely disregarded Baustelle, dismissing them with a definitive "just another typical Italian band doing the same old Italian song." Yet, I changed my mind after seriously listening to them.
"La malavita" from 2005 is the band's third album from Montepulciano, and the first under a major label, but ultimately the sound has remained very similar to the previous work; the so-called "transition" effect didn't happen.
Baustelle's style is very elegant and orchestral pop-rock, full of cultured references, the main reason that attracts herds of detractors who accuse Bianconi of being just a pedantic and bourgeois professor. But we let pass the nonsensical lyrics and metric baroques of others and crucify them because they quote some artist or poet? That's not right.
After a brief instrumental intro "Cronaca nera," we are presented with ten songs that are ten frescoes, each with a story or character behind it and as many scenarios.
"La guerra è finita" is the most well-known track from the album, justly made a single and played on radios at the time, smooth and interesting.
Following are the celestial "Sergio," a more introspective "Revolver" sung by Rachele Bastreghi, and one of the standout pieces of their discography "I provinciali," a sober and retro fresco.
While the poetry of "Corvo Joe" and also "Un romantico a Milano" would fit well as the background of an old-time Western film, but don’t ask me why.
In the second part of the album, with songs like "Cuore di tenebra" and "Perchè una ragazza di oggi può uccidersi," Francesco Bianconi's voice approaches and grazes De André-like territories without, however, being irritating.
A band that has deservedly carved out its space in the stifling Italian mainstream landscape and a pleasant and fresh work to discover or listen to again while awaiting the not-too-distant release of their new album.
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Summary by Bot
Originally dismissed as typical Italian pop, Baustelle's 2005 album La malavita impresses with its elegant orchestral pop-rock sound and cultured, poetic lyrics. The album features standout tracks like 'La guerra è finita' and 'I provinciali,' combining introspective storytelling with cinematic atmospheres. Francesco Bianconi's voice evokes comparisons to De André without being off-putting. A deserving addition to the Italian mainstream music landscape, this album is worth revisiting or discovering.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Baustelle
Italian band from Montepulciano led by songwriter Francesco Bianconi with vocalist Rachele Bastreghi, known for literate lyrics and a blend of orchestral and electronic pop.36 Reviews
Other reviews
By Lazzaroblu
Baustelle create valuable, substantial pop music where the lyrics are significant, at times harsh, necessary, never banal.
'La malavita' is a passionate reaction to conformity, to a brutal vulgarity, a child of development but not of progress.
By Enrico Martello
"Grass hurts you if you smoke it without style"... My God! How can you not fall in love with someone who says something like that.
We thank every single rejection because it brought about a work that is something new but also reveals reminiscences belonging to the great songwriters of the ’70s-’80s.
By Ghemison
An album both musically and poetically darker and harder.
If the whole album refers to the dark Byronian awareness... this song lightens the mood with huge doses of irony.
By Torre Ste
The lyrics, which talk about the underworld in all its forms and facets, are poetic, committed, melodic, and literary.
"Perché una ragazza d’oggi può uccidersi?", capable of captivating you and making you realize that this is a great band.
By EricJude
I watch it from start to finish, mesmerized, the melody is perfect, Bianconi’s voice as well, plus add that stunning girl who is Rachele Bastreghi.
Soft, delicate but also dark and shamelessly true. They don’t indulge in chatter and syrupiness like Ramazzotti, nor in screams and explosions of anger like Hard Rock, they are simple.
