Mao
Casa

Album from 1997, characterized by slight traces of psychedelic rock, funky atmospheres, and electronic blends. Well-crafted in both form and content, it is a good example of Italian pop rock. We're talking about "Casa," the second studio album by Maoelarivoluzione.

The music circuit is the one of Subsonica, Max Gazzè, and Bluvertigo. The success is decidedly less. The leader, Mauro Gurlino, from Piedmont, (Mao to everyone) works between radio and television and has no trouble promoting the album through established friendships with entertainer Andrea Pezzi. Mao gives the group a very personal imprint, where he incorporates all the musical knowledge he gained during his youth. There is a bit of British pop, a bit of Bennato-style rock, some South American influences, and at times a touch of mock internationalism. But the result is a very pleasant album, despite the lyrics not straying too far from sentimental-romantic themes. Thanks to the showcase of the Sanremo Festival, the single "Romantico" has a good radio following and paves the way for two further singles, "Satelliti" and "Chinese Take Away".

But let's get to the album. The sound is quite personal already in the opening track "Stringimi" with psychedelic rock accents, pleasant, yet characterized by the catchy riff. It is rougher, with vaguely metal accents in "Bolla di Sapone". "Chinese Take Away" follows this pattern as well. "Romantico" is instead very suitable for the Sanremo audience. It's rock, and still has a pleasant groove. Good musical plot that brushes against trash-metal in "Prima che sia troppo tardi". Swinging and sly "Sogni D'oro". Pop-like, but with an enjoyable bass line "Pazzo di Te". A bit of vintage atmosphere is apparent here and there, not only in this track. Charming, conversational and samba-like the groove of "Il Mare di Tokio" which has no lyrics and unfolds in a humming gramelot like "shala la la". Soft rock in "La Moglie Del Soldato", the energy is picked up again with "Colazione". Electronic and introspective "Solo Quando Piove" which somewhat echoes the sound of Depeche Mode. Funky and melancholic follows "Satelliti". Perhaps the best track of the CD. Whispered and chirpy closes "Casa", which isn't a true song, but rather an interlude of a few classical guitar chords.

An album not particularly innovative, but with interesting ideas here and there. The group will dissolve in 2000 to make way for Mao’s personal initiatives.