Üstmamò
Üst

Let me start by saying that Ustmamò, originally from the Reggio Apennines, have been a group, for better or worse, fundamental to Italian music, just as, although in a different style, Massimo Volume or Scisma. They debuted in 1991 with a wonderful self-titled album, under the wing of CPI's Giovanni Lindo Ferretti (and you can feel his influence even in the lyrics), who would also contribute to their next album in 1993, which is another masterpiece.

In 1996, a part of the turning point begins. The production shifts to the excellent Roberto Vernetti (already with Casino Royale, Almamegretta, Daniele Silvestri, Elio e le Storie Tese and later others like Delta V), and the sound becomes a bit more between pop and electronic, obviously all done intelligently and sometimes maintaining a certain punk attitude.

The result is this "Ust". The first time I heard it (and I still hear it) dates back to when I was about 8 years old, and my father used to tape albums for me on audiocassettes... it was love at first listen.

The CD starts with the sweet folk-pop lullaby "Cuore/Amore", which successfully mixes meta-oriental sounds with simple but effective lyrics. Then comes "Baby Dull", a song that with a good dose of sarcasm describes the woman conformed to the masses, and at the same time, a healthy pop-rock with a devastating effect.

A phone sound starts... it is nothing other than the ironic/erotic "Memobox", in my opinion, one of the best tracks of the CD and generally of the entire career of Ustmamò. The use of messages like "man seeking woman" is simply genius.

"Pulsating Mars, full of new life, calls you / Someone up there loves you / There is a thrill in the ether"

"Progressive" moments are not missing, like the ballad "Canto Del Vuoto", or jungle parentheses (were they the ones who opened the doors to Subsonica in this case?) that go by the name of "Indice Di Borsa", sung by Luca Alfonso Rossi, bassist, and written by a certain Valdesalici, whom I have yet to understand if it's Ageo (to whom they had already dedicated a piece in the previous album) or Benedetto (director of a band video and psychoanalyst in life).

"Schermo Splendente" is the second masterpiece, almost 7 minutes for a song divided as if into two parts: the first soft, a bit like Massive Attack, the second rocky and heavy.

"Light of my eyes / Mirror of mirrors / Mind that reflects / Repeatedly..."

The only song in dialect is "Biguldun" (Loafer) sung this time by the guitarist Simone Filippi, also written by the aforementioned Valdesalici. It’s impossible to resist the urge to move.

The CD closes with a trio of pieces that aren't to be laughed at: "Onde Sulle Onde", also a sort of suite in two parts: the first, between rock and trip hop, and the second, a very engaging acoustic moment.

"Old lands / New wars / Simple formalities / Cases of necessity / Everything returns / Indistinct clamour / Crowd noise that goes"

"Piano Con L'Affetto" is the most intimate track of the entire tracklist. Sweet lyrics accompany a soft violin background and... the noise of a thunderstorm and the consequent pouring water (like on a beach at night)!

But above all, a very interesting cover of the partisan song "Siamo I Ribelli Della Montagna", which will become one of Ustmamò's showpieces at concerts.

Well... what can I say? In my opinion, Mara Redeghieri has one of the most beautiful voices in the female field, and Ezio, Simone, and Luca do an excellent job in the instrument field. The drum section, entrusted to Marco "Ciusky" Barberis (later also in "Eldorado" by Mau Mau), is also noteworthy.

Perhaps this "Ust" is one of the easiest CDs to "absorb" (along with the latest "Tutto Bene") for those who want to get to know Ustmamò, but in its simplicity, it's worth all the money it's priced at.

And now... criticize me as much as you want.