Max Gazzè
Un Giorno

I consider Gazzè one of the most interesting Italian singer-songwriters of the last ten years, and with this, I am about to share my thoughts on "Un Giorno," a work published in 2004 that went rather unnoticed, like many phases of the Roman bassist's career in recent years.

For this project, Gazzè surrounded himself with interesting collaborations, from Peng, a notable Roman band known for their precise sound techniques, to mastering by George Marino (Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay) who perfectly highlighted Gazzè's desire to seek vintage, direct sounds without overdubs, utilizing vintage instruments. The singles from the album include "La Nostra Vita Nuova," a delicate and poignant ballad (perhaps too much) "...l’infinito immenso stava lì sospeso con il fiato in gola ad aspettare fino a adesso la nostra vita nuova..," "Annina," an entertaining and irreverent rock with a riff (with due comparisons and distinctions) reminiscent of "Nirvana" that certainly intrigues more than the former "...se contiamo le stelle è per te Annina mia ma se vuoi fare qualcosa per me amore mio stai zitta...," and the atypical but brilliant semi-instrumental "Allenamenti" "...Volendo vedere il lato migliore sto bene davvero ma non guardarmi mai ho poche pretese...".

That said, the album has other pieces with the most interesting phases. The duet with Daniele Silvestri "Pallida" is a lively track that shines brightest in the verses but is less captivating in the chorus, yet remains among the best moments "...perché non vieni con me voglio una vita meno squallida la vedo pallida...". Excellent is "Di Sfuggita" where the old but good habits of the Roman singer-songwriter come back to the fore with the usual simplicity and ironic wit, mixed with subdued sounds "...Povero ragazzo è diventato tutto pazzo dice che ha visto la madonna dice che sicuramente torna...". Another sound with "I Forzati Dell'Immagine," a frenzied punk-rock that tackles certain unconstructive themes irradiated by today's television world "...Chiamate il numero verde in sovrimpressione che poi vi regaliamo perle e gioielli per un solo milione non ve ne andate restate incollati a quel televisore che la vita di fuori non vale lo sforzo di uscire dal portone...". "Tutti Salvi" is a track that distances Gazzè from his usual repertoire. Beautiful, musically impeccable, and juicy, but different perhaps because of its false brightness that seems to highlight itself over the course of the song but never fully materializes. "...Alcune piogge sfilano le case e trovano pace nei binari del treno stanno in silenzio e distese lì non cercherà nessuno...".

Truly remarkable is the engaging and sharp "La Mente Dell'Uomo," perhaps the most successful track that opens the album. Pure electricity, but with a clear vintage imprint, mixed with the usual hermetic-ironic lyrics of the Gazzè duo (the lyrics are always conceived together with his brother Francesco). "...e in fondo non penetra altro che un'illusione di Conoscenza che appare sotto lo sforzo della lampadina...". "Avanzo Di Galera" instead brings back the notes of the already mentioned "Di Sfuggita" and thus to the canonical themes and sounds of the "old" Gazzè. "...Serve qualcosa per spiegare l'altra faccia del rovescio serve pioggia orizzontale il lato buono del peggio...". The work closes with "Cara Valentina - Parte Seconda," an interlocutory sequel to the famous hit by the singer-songwriter, with an interesting refrain "...Crescerò il tuo vuoto come il figlio dell'amore che non ho saputo dare oppure dato per errore..." and the sweet "Buonanotte" which bids farewell with graceful and nocturnal notes.

In summary, an interesting album, like practically the entire repertoire of the Roman mustache, which has the merit of venturing with "Un Giorno" into some sonic territories he had never explored thoroughly before. The lyrics are always of excellent quality; only some doubts remain about the actual intention to create an album of this type. It seems to me that Gazzè has all the ideas to try to disrupt a certain type of singer-songwriter music more heavily, but he doesn't have the will to do it or something prevents him. To be listened to with good attention.