Velvet
Dieci Motivi

If NME had an Italian edition, the Velvet would probably be its favorites. What these guys still have to do to start filling sports halls and stop doing live shows in dingy and half-empty clubs of little Italy, I honestly have no idea... Certainly the ignorance of the Italian public. But let's take a step back...

"The Velvet who? Not those of 'Soffro lo stress'? What's it called? Ah yes, it's called Boy Band... But how come, those guys are strong... hmm..." This is probably the kind of conversation about Velvet you might have with the average listener. The Velvet, I'll say it once and for all, have changed course. I say this only for those who need official announcements, because actually already in Versomarte and Cose Comuni, the one with Funzioni Primarie, the previous albums, the style was a very enjoyable rock'n'roll. Only a few understood that actually Boy Band wasn't a self-celebration but a mockery of the Backstreet Boys and Five of that time.

This CD is wonderful. Already ignored in the first edition without Dovevo Dirti Molte Cose and Confessioni Di Una Mente Pericolosa, it didn't enjoy good sales even after the repackaged edition post Sanremo, even though the live shows saw the audience doubling and tripling, with as many as four singles released with relative videos, stuff like U2 and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The opener is Dovevo Dirti Molte Cose, a splendid rock aria in Coldplay style. Luciano Ti Odio was the first single, perhaps it was too raw to be aired on the radio, it is the most explicit and significant track on the album, with a nihilistic lyric and catchy and tormented melody. Other great tracks are Ti Direi, fourth single, the best of the album, with music and lyrics worthy of being sung by a packed San Siro, Un Altro Brutto Giorno, which will make those who say that convincing rock cannot be made in Italy pale, Il Mondo E' Fuori, a very radio-friendly and lively summer single. The groovy dance vibe is retained in 7 Secondi, which should have quadrupled sales, but the Velvet chose not to release it as a single to remain consistent with their new direction. Very strong also in the lyrics are I Tuoi Guai (E Ne Hai) and Non E' Sempre Un Gioco; astonishing Miss America ("Scopro il gusto di un bel cappio intorno al collo"). Less convincing is the bonus track Confessioni Di Una Mente Pericolosa.

A great band, to discover, believe me. And live, they also cover Iggy and Radiohead. Don't wait for the Italian NME...