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THE REVIEW
When I used to listen to "grunge" (which was never really clear what it was), I came across an Italian band described to me as a "cross between Nirvana and Sonic Youth."
Indeed, there was something of both bands, but also an immense difference. I bought their debut titled "Catartica" and indulged in it for I don't know how long.
It was an orgasmic album, the only similar things I had heard coming out of the Italian scene were notes from CCCP and Negazione. But those were well-seasoned bands. The Marlene, in 1997, were still young and quite successful among those who loved the Seattle sound or alternative rock (today it's called "indie"), the noisy rock coming from New York, to be clear.
A beautiful album "Catartica", no doubt about it. Even after fifteen years, I haven't changed my mind. Of course: later I delved into New Wave and my listening habits took another turn.
But today... what sadness.
Godano was invited to the Faculty of Communication Sciences to ramble, gives interviews marked by extremely annoying arrogance, and composes albums now devoid of the edge that characterized this "Catartica" and "Il Vile". But that's not all! If with songs of the caliber of "Nuotando nell'Aria" he spoke to us of love, without falling into terribly pathetic tones, today the gentleman seems completely enveloped by the sugary aura that this sentiment emits. Treacle, I dare say.
But even the "non-sense" no longer hurts. Where has the insane wickedness of "Giù, Giù, Giù" gone? Only pompous and bombastic words remain.
Why did I write this review?
Because yesterday I had the chance to listen to their latest album. Hideous. And listening to it, I couldn't help but think of “Catartica,” the debut and pinnacle of the Cuneo formation.
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Summary by Bot
The review praises Marlene Kuntz's debut album Catartica as a powerful and orgasmic experience that successfully blends grunge and alternative rock influences. It highlights the album's lasting impact fifteen years after its release, especially for fans of the Seattle and New York noisy rock scenes. Although the reviewer expresses disappointment in the band's later work, the debut remains a high point in the Italian alternative rock landscape.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Marlene Kuntz
Italian alternative rock band from Cuneo, fronted by Cristiano Godano; noted for the early albums Catartica and Il Vile and for intense live performances.52 Reviews
Other reviews
By pugliamix
"Cristiano Godano’s writing harmoniously combines vulgarity and lyricism, extreme refinement and naivete."
"Marlene is the only band that, from the debut, already plays at the same level as the best American and English rock bands."
By Fiumani
"Catartica is a beautiful and essential album for Italian rock, perhaps the best of the band."
"Balancing impetuosity and sweetness, torment and ecstasy, with expressive liberation, fascinating and incisive."
By Hardrock92
This is the album I prefer from Marlene Kuntz, it is the most genuine, the noisiest, the angriest, but also very catchy.
Godano’s lyrics, which mix rhetoric, anger, a desire to escape, and a touch of poetry perfectly transpire from the guitars and his voice.
