Federico Fiumani
Donne mie

Fiumani is aging, and it is clearly noticeable when listening to this dull and uninspired solo debut. Removing the shield of the Diaframma brand, this really seems like the only courageous choice made by the Florentine musician in creating the CD.

The songs are in classic Fiumani style, this time de-diaframmanized in sound and arranged with sounds and atmospheres of a confidential singer-songwriter. And this mood seems to work in the first track "L'incendio", which for some reason reminds me of the ballads included in "Non è tardi", his album from the '90s. It's the overall feel that discourages and disappoints a bit. First and foremost, the songs that, except for a few sparks—like the chorus of "Cara Elisabetta" or the half Lennon, half Gino Paoli melody of "Perdonami di essermi innamorato di te"—are weak and repetitive. The already mentioned "Cara Elisabetta" has verses incredibly similar to a piece by De André (guess which one).

The recurrent theme of nostalgia and the passing of time, treated now with sarcasm and cynicism, now with sweetness and regret, has become the leitmotif of his latest works, and this one is no exception. But the lyrics and melodic work do not help lift the album; rather, they accentuate even more the lack of ideas presented on the musical “plate”, so much so that at times it feels like listening to a piano bar ensemble covering Diaframma songs.

I loved Fiumani’s music to death and still believe he has incredible talent, but one is really left to say that the only memorable moment of the album is the final 40 seconds of "L'ora più bella"...