Decibel

The Profile

Decibel are an Italian punk/new wave group fronted by Enrico Ruggeri. They broke through at Sanremo 1980 with Contessa, released albums including Punk, Vivo da re and Novecento, and reunited for Noblesse Oblige in 2017.

Formed in the early 1970s and renamed Decibel before their 1978 debut; Sanremo 1980 with “Contessa” (third place); albums reviewed here include Punk, Vivo da re, Novecento, and Noblesse Oblige; associated members cited in reviews: Enrico Ruggeri, Silvio Capeccia, Fulvio Muzio, Mino Riboni, Pino Mancini, Roberto Turatti; label mentioned: Spaghetti Records; recurring themes: media manipulation, social satire, youth unrest.

Reviews portray Decibel as a sharp, media-scorching Italian punk/new wave group with a flair for satire and hooks. Key stops: the raw debut often dubbed Punk (1978), the catchy and keyboard-tinged Vivo da re (1980), and the concept-leaning Novecento. Their 1980 Sanremo hit Contessa is a touchstone, and the 2017 reunion Noblesse Oblige revisits and updates their stance. Overall tone: affectionate, critical, and admiring.