Dionisia
Vengano I Satiri

THE REVIEW

The Dionisia were formed in Rome in 2006, initiated by the vocalist Marco Vallini (born 1983).

Their music can be classified as hip-hop vocals with a funky base and clear fusion influences. Certainly, it shares with funk-rock the pursuit of that well-coordinated groove which is the strength and standout element in the live performances of this band, who had already caught attention in 2007 with, among other participations in selections for emerging bands, their notable performance at Beppe Grillo's Roman V-Day.

The Dionisia take their rightful place in the trail of figures like Frankie Hi-Energy, Caparezza, and, although with a different approach, Colle der Fomento, for the social commitment that inspires their lyrics and for their inclination to express their political views, without arrogance or pretension but in a frank and lucid manner.

Their first demo dates back to 2006, and although the approach is understandably a bit timid, the attentive ear does not miss the early maturity, the attention to production, albeit modest and without frills, and the consistency and rigor of the lyrics, which are concealed behind a sly and mock-sensical attitude. In this regard, I point out the track "Tutti sul carretto", which well reflects, without prophetic or preaching pretensions, the mood and positions of the average (but not mediocre) young Italian, towards the currently prevailing mentality of reckless consumption and irresponsible and shameless power.

The following year, 2007, The Dionisia made significant progress considering the short interval, and produced the second demo "Vengano i satiri".

The track "Musica pirata" addresses the much-maligned "piracy" ("Sharing music files online is like stealing"... Well, screw that). The greed of the music industry multinationals is now obvious to everyone (those with common sense), yet ridiculous commercials that futilely attempt to guilt-trip those who download from peer2peer networks are played in cinemas.

The track "Tutti fatti di metilfenidato" is undoubtedly the most interesting, both musically and in terms of content. A solid funky groove accompanies the voice that raps on a topic that may seem rhetorical but is disturbingly current, which is the need for children to have constant attention and presence from their parents, who sometimes understandably put their careers and ego before their children's education. A topic often underestimated, whose effects are visible to everyone: the growing youth discomfort, the worrying tendency of young people to isolate themselves in a bubble, to flee from effort and suffering whose acceptance is indispensable to grow aware and responsible. Hence the resort to drugs and alcohol, which are nothing more than anesthetics of the psyche, abused when one wants to escape the conscience that tells you things are not going well, and from the immaturity and lack of willpower that render you powerless. The absence of a loving guide indeed produces a disorientation in the young, which can only be overcome with significant willpower, humility, and commitment, but without a solid family presence, it is very, very difficult.

Ultimately, an emerging band that, due to the work and personal commitments of its members, has little time to dedicate to itself but, if developed, can offer great satisfaction.