Stormy Six
Un Biglietto del Tram

This is a record from the '70s. It's a political record. It's a left-wing record. Exactly. "Un Biglietto del Tram" is one of the highest examples of "political rock" ever produced in Italy. (Elsewhere in Europe it was called "Rock In Opposition" and Stormy Six are fully part of the same trend as their colleagues Henry Cow and co.). But above all, it is a musical work of the highest value, capable of ranging from the most traditional folk to the complex scores of the reigning prog of those years. That's right... progressive. But a progressive far removed from the heavy baroqueness of ELP or PFM and the jazz fusion of Perigeo or Area (a group with which, however, some connections, if well searched, could be found). It is completely acoustic music (with the addition of violin and mandolin) but with extremely complex scores. Music that ultimately hasn't aged poorly like that of some "monsters" of prog. (ask Modena City Ramblers or Gang).

The climate that saw the release of this record (among other things, one of the first "independent" releases) is that of the years of lead and the politicization of every aspect of life. The Stormy are from Milan and they represent the official voice of the Student Movement (or what remains of it), by far the most important "group" of the '68 university protest. The "concept" of the work is linked to the liberation struggle from Nazi-fascist barbarism; all the tracks offer descriptions of facts (or considerations) related to the partisan war. And even this was a "political" operation at the time, in the sense of reaffirming an identity and a history without which no "leftist" discourse is possible. Thus no possibility of "revivalism". (An operation, according to the writer, still possible and even more necessary today).

The album opens with the famous "Stalingrado", one of the most important and well-known "militant" songs of the '70s. The evocation of the siege of Stalingrad (the beginning of Nazi Germany's collapse) serves as an introduction to the general idea. Sulla sua strada gelata la croce uncinata lo saD'ora in poi trovera' Stalingrado in ogni citta'. Without pause, the second track "La Fabbrica" starts immediately. The fall of Nazi-fascism also reaches Italy: Arriva una squadraccia armata di bastone fan dietro fronte subito sotto i colpi del mattone e come a Stalingrado i nazisti son crollati all'Apreda rossa in sciopero i fascisti son scappati. Besides being the two most beautiful tracks, they are also the most "lively". Musically they have an upbeat rhythm, focused especially on the violin and constant tempo changes. It continues with "Arrivano gli Americani", "garibaldini marziani", came to liberate us. But are we sure this liberation costs us nothing? Giant signs light up over the smoking ruins[...]and a lady doesn't want to change her Dash. The piece continues with an (ironic) instrumental tail that reminded me of some Henry Cow elements. But now the tone of "victory" fades because the "8 Settembre" with its load of uncertainties and tragedies has arrived: In un paese è passata in divisa la morte: la gente in cerchio sul sagrato, nella piazza sale un grido soffocato. Ammazzati come cani, un cartello appeso al collo: "PARTIGIANI". The track is of terrifying intensity and in the end leaves you truly speechless for the perfect blend between the instrumental crescendo and the lyrics. Another notable episode is the song "Dante Di Nanni". For those who do not know the tragic and glorious story of this young GAP member, I highly recommend the book "Senza Tregua" by Giovanni Pesce, commander of the GAP and gold medal for the Resistance. (Feltrinelli, 2005, 8. 50 eury). This is to know and remember those who, at the cost of their own lives, guaranteed us freedom... even the freedom to forget! The album concludes with the dramatic "Un biglietto del tram" which eventually states: A Poletti hanno dato sette lettere sopra una lapide, e la gente che passa e le vede fa un po' i suoi conti, e poi si chiede "Non è una spesa inutile?" "Non bastava un biglietto, un biglietto del tram per tornare in piazzale Loreto?"

Everyone is free to draw their own conclusions. I have finished the review (my first!!!!!) but let me say two more things. This is a record that has the power to move to tears only certain people. You know perfectly well who. (And I'm one of them!) To all the others, who perhaps do not identify with these themes, I still recommend listening. The artistic, poetic, and musical value of Stormy Six is indisputable. Take this record for what it is: a significant sound document of the era... A work that (beyond the contents) has contributed to making Italy one of the most musically advanced countries. (This happened thirty years ago.)