Meganoidi
Al Posto del Fuoco

What a beautiful last album from the Meganoidi! A powerful and broad sweep of electric sounds and dark atmospheres. The band from Genoa has reached their fourth LP by taking unusual and somewhat "counter-current" paths compared to predetermined itineraries. It's been a good few years since the captivating and sly videos that established them as a new MTV phenomenon. Who doesn't remember those irreverent ska rhythms spiced with politically uncorrect lyrics ("Supereroi contro la municipale", "Meganoidi"), or those ironic and colorful videos designed specifically to attract young leftists? But time passes, and fortunately, we grow (if we don't age first...) and for the Meganoidi, who have skillfully managed to introduce themselves to the general public, it was time for a change.

Unusual paths, we were saying, those that lead from instant commercial fame to more thoughtful and independent choices. This was already clear from the tones and the title of the second album "Outside the Loop, Stupendo Sensation": the ska and cheerful choruses, as well as the advertising and heavy rotation, are gradually set aside in favor of a more experimental and meaningful rock. If the result was hits like "Zeta Reticoli" (in my opinion, the best Italian rock song of recent years), then the new course is welcome.

"Al Posto del Fuoco," released last April through Green Fog Records, consists of twelve tracks as direct as a punch in the face: the opener "Altrove" attacks without giving time to get settled. The syncopated rhythms and guitar arpeggios in this track remind me a bit of the early Mars Volta, but this is a personal impression. It's followed by the hard-blues of "Aneta", the first single. The lyrics are quite striking ("Se ti ostini ad aprire la mente/il tuo cervello potrebbe fuoriuscire fuori.."), with surreal references that are present throughout the lyrics of the entire album. "Dune" is an ode to slowness; with its heavy and hypnotic pace, it's somewhat hard to digest on first listen, but then it grows on you.

A glimpse of the times that were is found in "Scusa Las Vegas", my favorite track. It's a ride with slightly melancholic tones supported by fast arpeggios and the chorus in English, so dear to ours ("Voices calling from the sea/they pretend to know what I need/Voices calling from the sea/Scusami Las Vegas resto qui.."). "Mia" is the second single, and with its sixties references, it's the only clearly radio-friendly episode of the lot.

Also worth mentioning is "Fino alla fine", which starts like a power ballad only to backtrack and bring out a spoken verse reminiscent of Linea 77. It is elevated by the poignant trumpet solo (well, who do we have here!) amidst the distorted roars of the guitars. "Your Desire" is the little cousin of "Zeta Reticoli", it so closely resembles it in arrangements and structure.

Closing the show is the title track, which in its explosiveness reminds me of Faith No More's "King for a Day..", and is very Patton-esque even in the disharmonic triumph of the finale in which pounding drums, brass, and guitars battle it out.

Once listened to, though not immediately catchy, it is one of those records that compel you to hit play again and to thank from the bottom of your heart the people who, once they reach success, truly know how to explore other paths.

Perhaps less visible but certainly more rewarding.