Maieutica
Maieutica

When I think about it, in truth, I never really minded living in Lamezia. A city in the Calabrian province can often be lethal for overly demanding minds. Yet, all in all, I was never too bored; there was always something to do and see. Just like in the distant 2003, when, it was said, two rival rock bands vied with each other, akin to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones: i Canidisara and Maieutica. It is still unclear whether this rivalry was real or just an urban legend.

It has been a good six years since then, and as age advances, so does nostalgia, those beloved-hated high school days, a carefree life without problems. Amidst all this, a few days ago, a Maieutica CD emerged from my sister’s bag. The first Maieutica CD, which, like Socrates, awakens dormant memories, forgotten ones, which we know all too well. And it is "Mia" that begins this process that seems more like a review of old emotions and sensations, a step back towards naivety. It's an energetic piece, yet all in all melodic, at times melancholic, a sort of summa of the whole album that alternates moments of rock fervor with others more unmistakably emotional. And honestly, it's precisely these latter episodes that are the album's most accomplished: "I Want You", "Armònia", "Chiara fragilità", and the legendary "Fall in Fly", almost a hit in my time. Simple pieces, with few pretensions, but absolutely engaging. Not that the heavier side is less successful. The issue is leaving a mark. And in my opinion, it's always the melody that makes the difference. It's easy to make noise, it's difficult to write songs. And on this, I think, Maieutica has quite a noteworthy added value.

Speaking of underground, our cities, from the smallest, like mine, to the largest, are overflowing with rock bands of all kinds. Often, however, the belief is that merely being little known is enough to become models of alternative musical quality beyond what canonized Alternative offers us. Alas, it’s not that easy, the ‘sgruscio’ isn't enough. It takes passion, it takes consistency, it also takes a dose of audacity, but what makes for quality is talent. Let it be known, Maieutica has it.

Lastly, a common problem for many Italian alternative rock bands: the models. It’s impossible not to have them, impossible to ignore them. Maieutica, it seems, openly admits to adoring Verdena. The model is distinguished, and it is well emulated. The variatio: Maieutica may well be the Verdena of Nicastro, but their arrogance is significantly lower, and the road ahead for them is still long.

Special Thanks to Vinia for some gossip!