Timoria
2020 Speedball

In 1995, Italian rock was more alive than ever, thanks to people like Ligabue and Vasco Rossi, but also and especially thanks to Litfiba, Negrita, Afterhours, Marlene Kuntz, C.S.I. (sorry if I left out other groups). And naturally, Timoria.
Two years after the beautiful "Viaggio Senza Vento," the group (with Renga on vocals, Pedrini on guitars, Illorca on bass, Ghedi on keyboards, and Galeri on drums) released this album that veers towards a rock style influenced by metal sounds.

The album opens, after a bizarre intro, with one of the title tracks "2020," which already makes it clear what lies ahead with its heavy and massive riff and lyrics against virtual love. After the filler "Brain Machine," we face one of the best pieces in Timoria's history, the beautiful ballad "Senza Far Rumore" with stunning arpeggios and a crescendo finale that culminates in a wonderful solo. Next is the second title track "Speed Ball," very similar to the first in terms of sound. Another beautiful track is "Dancin' Queen," which mixes metal, dance, world-music percussion, and rap-like singing. "Sudamerica" and "Weekend" follow, two songs in the pure Timoria style, leading to the central part of the album where masterpieces follow one after the other. After the useless Latin digression "Duna Connection," "Europa 3" starts, beginning like "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," continuing as a ballad and ending like Pantera. It is followed by the almost death-metal of "Mi Manca l'Aria" with growl singing and another big ballad "Via Padana Superiore" sung by Pedrini. After another useless filler ("No Money, No Love"), comes "Guru," noted for its oriental intro, heavy sounds and riffs, and the best solo on the album. In the end, "Boccadoro," where acoustic guitars prevail, the umpteenth filler "Fare i Duri Costa Caro" and "Fino in Fondo" with beautiful lyrics, only confirm what has been said.

In conclusion, a beautiful album with absolute gems marred by tracks of less than 2 minutes that could have been developed better.