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Rating: Lavanderie Romane, ARCI club, via Berthollet 25. A place that is infused with the scent of San Salvario, the music of San Salvario, the life of San Salvario. It's no coincidence that we're in San Salvario, Turin, Italy. Strange, isn't it?
I had already listened to Alba Di Morrigan live, testing their potential, as well as Interióra, both emerging Turin bands devoted to a melancholic and emotional post-metal, like in a wild jam session/orgy between Katatonia and Callisto. Evenings that had me returning home with my ears comforted.
This time, however, the two bands would venture into acoustic sets, revisiting their most famous tracks in a "soft" version, seated on stools in front of a handful of attendees who, nonetheless, kept increasing. The curiosity to hear what would come out of it was sky-high, and rightfully so.
Upon my arrival at Lavandaio, I was caught off guard by a series of strumming that had little to do with the “melancholic” mood that would accompany the evening. Instead, it almost felt like being back on Erasmus, with partygoers from everywhere toasting to who knows what and to the rhythm of cheerful and carefree songs. The first band to perform was, in fact, a duo, "i Nemici", who fortunately replaced the Eskinzo who were absent for unknown reasons. Well, all the better.
"Plinio" and "Lingua d’oro", as they call themselves, claim to play “light and graceful pop, a bit beach and a bit bitch”. I’d say they're right: listening to them play, it feels more like a Ferragosto bonfire with friends than a concert. The audience seems to enjoy themselves a lot, clapping, following the songs with amusement, and the performers respond by having fun too, among guitar chords that induce dancing (too bad for the lack of space) and accordion notes that join in worthily. And so, amid singer-songwriter pieces written by themselves and a few jokes here and there ("we have a Facebook page, add us as friends, even if we are The Enemies"), the duo doesn’t shy away from mixing more or less famous covers into a single song (unforgettable is the closing with the 90s classic “Destinazione Paradiso” by Italy’s own Gianluca Grignani). In short, fun and entertaining, certainly a breath of fresh air, which on these hot summer nights is not bad at all. Well done, guys, hakuna matata. It's just a shame that their music didn't quite fit the evening’s theme, but oh well. WHATEVER, as the Maestro would say.
From the beachy summer, we swiftly transition to the gloomy autumn with the Interióra, who start right off with a custom-made set design, featuring panels and November leaves skillfully scattered on the ground by lead singer Simone De Vita. It’s nothing like their live performance at last spring’s Post-rock Fest at Padiglione 14 in Collegno; this time the guys re-invent themselves in a semi-acoustic and light version. It’s certainly a sound format that highlights the group’s qualities and the type of music they propose, melodic, enveloping, and steeped in melancholy, which gains even more emphasis with the "soft" instruments handled by the band. The tracks flow like fallen autumn leaves at their feet, and amid some guitar and keyboard playful diversions, the four of them head straight for their strong suit, "Capricorno". I had already noticed this song in electric format at their concert in Collegno, and I must say, I was curious to hear it again acoustically. Given the pronounced melody of the piece, even this new format does it justice. Perhaps I continue to prefer the electric version due to the final part, particularly passionate and emotional, which relies on intense strumming that touches the heart. Even so, the emotions remain the same. A different intensity, we might say, less direct and powerful but more intimate and captivating.
It's a pity there are only three tracks, but as they say, “better few but good”. And indeed, they are. Few and good, I mean. Well done, we just look forward to hearing the EP.
Customary greetings and the 3 Turinese take the stage, armed with an extra guitarist, all seated on stools with a growing crowd that, meanwhile, has increased exponentially, so much so that some people sit on the floor due to the lack of space. Among people who already knew them, friends, and complete strangers, everyone seems to be hanging on their every word almost like Papà Castoro’s little ones waiting for their progenitor to "tell them a story". And this story is nothing short of great. The "trio turned quartet" kicks off with an unusual mix of covers, including "Love Song" by The Cure, "Diary Of a Madman" by Ozzy, and "Countdown To Extinction" by Megadeth. I have to say, their interpretation of The Cure's song was BEAUTIFUL, so much so that if it hadn’t been written by Robert Smith's group, it could have seemed entirely theirs. Whether it was the voice or the guitar sound, the fact is that the reinterpretation of that song in the "Alba" style seemed truly successful to me. Particularly striking was the rhythm section, interpreted both by Alessio’s acoustic bass, which seemed perfect for the occasion, and by a FANTASTIC gadget handled by Luca, a sort of electric djembé capable of producing percussion sounds of all sorts, including the sitar!!! (By the way, I WANT IT).
This is inevitably followed by the best tracks from their "The Essence Remains", which, in acoustic form, gain even more strength. Thus unfolds a wonderful "Snowstorm" followed by a "The Fairies’ Circle" that touches the heart. The audience listens intently and seems almost mesmerized by those notes (with girls sitting on the ground, hugging their legs and not taking their eyes off the instruments), sometimes even clapping along, before a new song in Italian makes its entrance, which could be a surprise from the new album. For the execution of this piece, Ugo puts down the guitar and jokingly taps his "belly" before grabbing the microphone and singing, glancing at the audience sideways. Honestly, the beginning didn’t impress me much, and I couldn’t quite figure out how to place the song; but then, it quickly turned around, and I once again recognized the "Morrigan spirit," letting out a sigh of relief that someone beside me must have heard.
The audience bursts into a near ovation as the band says their farewells and prepares to drop the instruments. But it’s no use; there are too many voices demanding an encore, and so the evening closes with "Lilith", the Italian track on the new album, which probably renders much better acoustically (too bad for the lack of the electric solo), shattering the last emotional defenses raised by those listening.
The concert ends, everyone bids farewell, everyone embraces, and so, this review can also be considered concluded.
Thanks to Alba di Morrigan and see you at the third edition of “MiBeer” in Poirino, where the band will be playing on May 16 (do not miss the post-indie-rockians New Adventures In Lo-Fi, nor Efram and Duo Dans Le Vent, all bands that are definitely worth a shot)!
But before I say goodbye, a little advice: every now and then “let go” of these big names who keep releasing records and filling stadiums (I’m speaking generally, but I could name dozens of bands, they remind me of certain politicians who sit on their thrones for centuries) and support Italian bands who deserve it.
Till next time.
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