The Sick Rose
Someplace Better

The Sick Rose are undoubtedly the most significant Italian garage-punk band of the mid-'80s revival wave that looked back at the mythical '60s. They weren't psychedelic as some uninspired critics might have labeled them. They were undoubtedly a great garage-punk band, heirs to the gritty and rough sound of Seeds, Sonics, Electric Prunes, and many other names from that era. It should be noted that The Sick Rose were on the same level as others like the Miracle Workers, Chesterfield Kings, and Fuzztones, all groups that were very popular at the time in the garage scene. Their story, moreover, has been well recounted by former bassist Maurizio Campisi in a compelling book titled "Everybody Wants To Know – My life with The Sick Rose," published by the admirable Area Pirata, a label that is currently a reference point for those nostalgic for that period: in its catalog, we indeed find the psychedelic No Strange, exponents of the "Pisani scene" like Liars, Steeplejack, and Not Moving! Now, Area Pirata is releasing the new album "Someplace Better.” From the old lineup, we find two historical members, namely the singer Luca Re and guitarist Diego Mese. The Sick Rose, after their strict garage phase, had hardened their sound towards the Detroit sound in “Shakin’ Street” of 1988, a change common to other names like Miracle Workers and Chesterfield Kings. However, their subsequent path led them towards power-pop shores as in "Blastin’ Out" of 2005 and "No Need For Speed" of 2011. Personally, I am a nostalgic by nature, so I admit that the new direction doesn't thrill me: however, I must acknowledge that the class in composing perfect and incisive tracks remains unchanged, as one can hear in the opening "How To Be Your Friend" and in other pleasant tracks like "Anyway," the melodic "Milk And Honey," and the decisive "Sweer As A Punch." However, fortunately, there is a concession to the past, and it's called "Nobody," a genuine gem for those who loved the old Sick Rose and simply an irresistible track! Perhaps a little too little to rekindle the fire under the ashes, but the album is still on good levels. Available on Bandcamp: https://areapiratarec.bandcamp.com/album/someplace-better.