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Rating: The "Ratti della Sabina" are a group from Rieti (Lazio) that have been active for ten years. They play folk rock and consist of: singer, acoustic guitar, drums, electric guitar, bass, mandolin, violin, and accordion. The "Ratti" skillfully blend popular tradition with the powerful, distorted guitars of rock, and the result is truly exciting. The texts are also beautiful, balancing between stories, dreams, and social commitment, merging with the melodies marked by the profoundly folk voice of the "ratto" Roberto Billi.
They have four albums under their belt, and I've decided to review what I believe is the absolute best: "Cantiecontrocantiincantina" from 2001. The album immediately kicks off with the stunning "Il funambolo" with a long violin introduction that gives you chills. A rapid crescendo leads to a breathtaking finale. Definitely the best track of the entire album. From a lyrical standpoint, this song is an anthem to living life every day, a concept put into verses in a fantastic way.
"Son maestro di follia, /vivo la mia vita sulla fune/ che separa la prigione della mente/dalla fantasia. /Il mio futuro è nel presente/ed ogni giorno allegramente/io cammino sul confine immaginario/dell’ orizzonte mentre voi,/signori spettatori, mi guardate dalla strada,/cuori appesi ad un sospiro/per paura che io cada/ma il mio equilibrio è in cielo/come i sogni dei poeti,/mai potrei viver come voi/che avete sempre la certezza della terra sotto i piedi./"
"Clandestino" instead, as the title itself suggests, talks about the hard life of people seeking fortune by leaving their country, their family, in search of luck elsewhere. Very nice and lively musically, it is ideal to listen to live. One of the most beautiful songs on this album is "Il giocoliere". It starts very slowly and then quickly accelerates with guitars and drums in the foreground. The rock and folk mix flawlessly, proving they are true masters of this genre, without taking anything away from other Italian groups who excel in this style. Another noteworthy song (though words, as always, fail to express the beauty of this album) is "Signora patria", which is an anthem to the life values that have disappeared in today’s society. The lyrics of this song are truly beautiful, and I recommend looking them up online as they are noteworthy. "Fra le braccia della luna" is a modern lullaby, a dedication to that light that often shines in the sky, accompanying our evenings. The album continues with "Nel giorno della liberazione", where the lyrics based on April 25th blend masterfully with a sweet folk sound.
The album proceeds with a tarantella in dialect, namely "La tarantella del serpente" where it’s impossible to stay seated while listening to this song, full of energy and charge. The CD closes with a gem "La ciucca", a sort of modern Roman stornello. It sounds very live, even though it was recorded in the studio. The text is, as you can read, humorous and sharp.
"Chiuso in una stanza /con tre bottiglie di vino intorno a me/una volta era piene /e ora son vuote chi lo sa perchè? Ho la testa che mi gira/e sembra che voli fino al cielo, /per poi ricadere giu di botto/ma il botto, quello è vero. Perchè avevo provato ad alzarmi/ma son caduto sul pavimento, /forse, domani farà un pò male/ma per ora son contento e, cosi sdraiato, mi domando: /"ma chi sarà mai stato, /quel grande genio che nel passato/il vino se l'è inventato?" Per trovare la risposta, /forse è meglio continuare a bere/perchè forse s'è nascostanel fondo del bicchiere/ma di risposte non ne ho trovate/e la mia testa ora è come un mare mosso e questo vino mi piace proprio/perchè è come me, è rosso!"
In conclusion, an amazing album that should absolutely be treasured as a precious gem. It can be placed, if you wish, between Bandabardò and Modena City Ramblers; like these, the "Ratti della Sabina" are among the best folk rock groups in our country. I highly recommend them, especially live, where they convey an indescribable energy to the audience and perform at their best. Well done, keep it up, guys!
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