Generation.On.Dope
Ghosts

Born in 2008 and with a self-titled debut released by Bagana Records, the band from Varese, Generation.On.Dope, returns with “Ghosts,” released by the British label Futurebeat. The album consists of eleven original tracks and a cover of the song “Burn” by the Cure, a decidedly bold choice that rewards the musicians, now seasoned in the alternative rock scene. The whole album is structured around this genre, much more versatile and daring than its predecessor, and rich in many nuances that make it appealing even to those who do not typically enjoy this type of music.

With a strongly accentuated melodic side, the four musicians sought in emotional contrast the inspiration on which to structure everything, succeeding properly. Thus, it shifts from tendentiously elegant and well-dressed tracks to moments where aggression prominently emerges, where the rhythms and guitars come very close to what is commonly heard in hardcore/metal circles. The alternation between these two distinct phases in each track does not seem accidental, almost as if “Ghosts” is, at its core, a concept album.

The references can be found mainly in U.S.A. rock - a genre that Generation.On.Dope knows well - especially in the works of Papa Roach (with whom they also shared the stage in 2011 in Warsaw) and, why not, early Foo Fighters. Some potential hits like “Am I The Sun?” and the title track are the icing on the cake of a well-conceived and rich album - as we said - full of emotions. Simone Zuccarini’s vocal interpretation is also good, decidedly more at ease in the more melodic parts of the album and needing some review in the more “hot” moments of the album. Thumbs up then, it's just a pity for the not very impactful artwork.