Petrol
Dal Fondo

They have been described as a supergroup, and perhaps that's an exaggeration. They have been said to be a cross between Fugazi and Pavement, and that could be right.

They were compared to De Andrè, but with a Gibson in their hands, and they certainly nailed that. After a two-year wait, Petrol releases their first work: "Dal Fondo". It's been a while since such a beautiful Italian rock album has been heard, capable of drawing from the entire rock tradition, from the most classic to the most extreme, and combining it with meaningful and never trivial lyrics and with that slightly aggressive restlessness dear to the bands from Turin and its surroundings. Yes, because it must be said that the CD is produced by Casasonica, the label founded and directed by Max Casacci, guitarist of Subsonica.

Going into more detail: the group members are Franz Goria (ex-Fluxus, vocals and guitar), Dan Solo (ex-Marlene Kuntz, bass), Ale Bavo (ex-Sushi, keyboards and synth), and Valerio Alessio (drums). Among the 10 tracks on the album, "Cera", a beautiful, somewhat disorienting ballad, "Ogni Silenzio", with the most beautiful bass riff in my opinion in recent times, "Nel Buio", the first single perfect to understand what Petrol is, and "Il Nostro Battito Del Cuore", where the reference to De Andrè is understood, stand out.

Having seen them live, I can also tell you that Petrol is excellent live, very technically skilled. I highly recommend them to those who appreciate the old-style Marlene Kuntz, the calmer Nine Inch Nails, and intelligent Italian singer-songwriting.

For more information, check out their website (which is also very beautiful) www.petrolmusic.it.