Litfiba
Trilogia Tour 1983-1989

I have always wondered why live albums are reviewed and on what criteria one can argue a critique on what are ultimately collections of already released pieces. However, sometimes certain things MUST be done. For Litfiba, this meant this finally complete reunion; for me, as a true Litfibomane, it meant immediately buying the album and reviewing it. Why? Because this "Trilogia Live" is more than a live album, it captures the energy and setlist of a special evening and is the rightful celebration of a group that, for better or worse, has been talked about a lot over the last 30 years.

The evening in question is not just special, it's a truly grand occasion: on January 30th and 31st, alongside the duo Pelù-Renzulli, on stage are founding members Gianni "Marok" Maroccolo on bass, Antonio Aiazzi on keyboards, newcomer Luca Martelli on drums, and Giorgio Canali handling sound as in the '80s. Everything suggests only two possible outcomes: a total flop in a full nostalgia/money grab operation, or a great concert full of emotions, sweat, and energy that only those years knew how to provide.

The setlist in question consists of 23 tracks (all from the evening, excluding "Paname," poorly recorded) taken from the three albums composing the Trilogia del Potere ("Desaparecido," "17 Re," "Litfiba 3") plus others from EPs ("Transea," "Versante Est," "Elettrica Danza") and from the live "Pirata" ("Il Vento"). The first disc opens with a collection of songs from the very early phase of Litfiba (up until '85), and 3 more from the second album "17 Re," for an hour of excellent new wave. Great recoveries for a truly unique setlist: from the debut with "Eroi Nel Vento" (what an emotion!) and "Tziganata," to excellent recoveries like "Transea" (a fundamental piece of Italian new wave) "Versante Est" and "Elettrica Danza," two too little-known tracks, and "Pierrot e la Luna," among the best of "17 Re," and then two classics from "Desaparecido": "Guerra" and "Istanbul."

In the second disc, we move to the more rock phase of the Trilogy: twelve tracks taken from "17 Re" and "Litfiba 3" and another hour or so of sweat and adrenaline. Although most of the songs have already been heard even from the 2009 reunion, the band chemistry and Piero's energy make them really sound as if they were played twenty years ago. Particularly commendable is the recovery of the original versions of "Ferito" and "Ci sei solo tu," the latter heard very few times live in its first version. At track twenty-one, "Amigo," a due and unavoidable homage to the late and never forgotten Ringo De Palma, drummer of the Florentine group during the period 83-89.

Perfect bass parts by Maroccolo, who returns to the stage with his old mates after 24 years with the same energy (and the same bass) as before; perfect also the Marchese Aiazzi, who finally takes back the place he left in '95, with no one else managing the soundscapes like him; but the biggest surprise is the young man behind the drums, who metaphorically leaves the cover photo position to Ringo: Luca Martelli. The drummer of Rossofuoco, Giorgio Canali's group, hits the cymbals and drums with great strength, precision, and passion. The booklet of the album is full of beautiful concert memory photos, although perhaps too focused on the usual duo Pelù-Renzulli, while they could have emphasized the whole group a bit more.

"Trilogia Live" is an excellent live, in every way, from the quality of the songs played to the choice of them, for the emotion of hearing the real Litfiba on stage again, together. Future generations will remember Aiazzi shouting with his fist raised at the end of the concert (what an amazing thing!), Piero's "slinguata" to Maroccolo, Martelli's fervor singing all the songs from the first to the last word while hitting the drums...

Mandatory for all fans of the '80s Litfiba to buy this double CD. I won't give a rating, 1-because it's a live 2-emotions play bad tricks.

Lacio Drom to all.