Cipango
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I found this album at a flea market; the name of the band was not new to me: Cipango. They are mentioned in "Lungimiranza" by Offlaga Disco Pax, so out of curiosity, I attempted to purchase it. I researched the history of the band from Reggio Emilia, active in the '90s, and discovered that only 500 copies of this album were printed, so I had in my hands a little gem of quality alternative pop rock.

"C'è del delirio in te" starts with a lively drum and a guitar that builds up to a riff reminiscent of Fugazi; the singer comes in with his clean, well-modulated voice, very pop while the Springsteen-like keyboards create a backdrop leading to a deep bass interlude and the mocking laughter of a woman, only to resume at the end: beautiful song.

In "3300 giorni" you can hear the Litfiba, with suspended verses over keyboards and guitar nuances alternating with the rock chorus. "Autoaccusa" is more intense, where you can feel the studio atmosphere blending the group. "Libero" instead starts with a Joy Division aura that is then illuminated by more pop melodies, cries of freedom, and choruses. In "Madre" it's the Weezer setting the pace, the guitar melts into the verses, it's a song that smells of grunge. A funky bass, hippy keyboards are the structure of "Fiori", very alternative and playful, ideal to gather contrasting reviews at San Remo.

Cipango are saturated with influences, unaware precursors, or simply in step with their times but well hidden in the mist of Emilia.