Diaframma
Siberia

The recent reissue of this album is an opportunity to talk about one of the most beautiful records of the '80s and the group that created it. The Florentines Diaframma, champions of the Italian new wave, are here in their best lineup, the historic one with Federico Fiumani, guitarist and especially composer (later also singer) and Miro Sassolini on vocals.

The beauty of this work revolves around this duo. Fiumani, an inspired, mature, and creative composer, having set aside the loves for Joy Division, Replacements, Television, which characterized the group's early imprint, becomes the brilliant creator of all the songs, moving with ease on the fine line of singer-songwriter within a dark punk environment.

But what makes this work special is the tenor, evocative, fearfully powerful voice of Miro Sassolini. The performer, whom Fiumani aptly called "the voice of my soul," fits into the cold, keyboard-laden texture ("Neogrigio"), then unleashes with full force against the bass of "Amsterdam," now a classic, casually chasing the acidic arpeggios of "Specchi d'acqua" but also proves attentive and sophisticated in singing the
splendid lyrics of "Elena". Finally, he hits hard in the rhythm of "Ultimo Boulevard".

He is the real added value of the group, it is his voice that brands this album and increases the regret for Miro Sassolini's departure from the group. The album, reissued with two unreleased tracks ("Elena" and "Ultimo Boulevard"), confirms itself over time (it was released in 1984) a work of crystalline beauty and at the same time a snapshot of that period when it was "Siberian" cold in Florence.