•
Rating:
And so it was that the youthful and raw anger of the previous album was channeled in a different direction. A tempered anger (but not too much) that culminated in more relaxing moments and contemplation, a realization of reality, a subdued fury, yet always ready like a fuse to unexpectedly ignite. This is "Solo un grande sasso."
The second work is the one where Verdena manages to rid themselves of more than a pebble from their shoe toward those who mistakenly considered them merely an MTV phenomenon, taken and brought from nowhere (the henhouse) to noble rooms, as they say. And they were right.
"Solo un grande sasso" is their most challenging album for the ears, remaining structurally and compositionally multifaceted. It features various influences, from alternative rock to psychedelic, from pop to stoner, which alternate without interruption, always with an eye toward that early nineties American scene.
Long suites with a vaguely progressive flavor ("Nova," "Starless," the spectacular "Centrifuga") alternate with sweet lullabies, sometimes classical ("Nel mio letto" with the collaboration of Manuel Agnelli) sometimes subdued, the opening "La tua fretta" (which somewhat reminds me of "Free" by Motorpsycho, a band that is also evoked in other instances here).
In between, we have the excellent and fast singles "Miami safari" and "Spaceman" where we find Verdena at their most direct, condensing great emotions in just a few minutes.
Not to forget the sonic explosions of "Cara prudenza" and a sort of sublime bitter and disillusioned rock lullaby like "Onan." Very fitting, on the other hand, is the lead guitar in "Buona risposta," a song that kept me company for a nice period during the continuous bus journeys undertaken as an out-of-town student on Friday evenings returning home.
Give them time and trust, it will bring satisfaction and addiction, like all their albums. And then put on your headphones, look up at the starry sky, let yourself be seduced, and embark on a long and intense mental journey.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 Spaceman (04:35)
Spaceman
la fine è qui e ti cullerà
io temo di vincerti
la vertigine in volo
nessuno saprà mai che in questo cielo
dovrò concluderti nel blu
io nel blu
Spaceman
tu giura è qui che m'incontrerai
e sarai simile a me
in ogni io che sei..tudutu..
in ogni io che sei..tudutu..
in ogni io che sei..tudutu..
in ogni io che sei..tudutu..
in ogni io che sei..tudutu..
in ogni io che sei..tudutu..
Spaceman
la fine è qui e ti cullerà
io temo di vincerti
la vertigine in volo
respira in vene lisce e questo è bene
dovrò concluderti
concluderti...
spaceman
spaceman
spaceman..
Loading comments slowly
Other reviews
By serestoppone
An album truly worth listening to... a 'cure for the ears' that makes human senses transcend into infinity.
Every note, every piece, and every sound is delicately curated, researched, and intended to give the album a distinct imprint.
By ZiOn
Solo Un Grande Sasso remains an excellent album and the best of Verdena, proof of the band’s strength.
One of the best albums of 2001, and without a doubt a record to be listened to, without prejudice.
By JohnWinston
Starting from the beautiful cover and moving through the sounds filled with deep inadequacy, we find ourselves in a composition limbo that is nothing short of embarrassing.
An album to say the least overrated.
By Allegretti
Once their show is over, it’s the turn of the 'hosts,' who immediately make it clear that they haven’t abandoned their sound violence after Wow.
The new CD might not be on the level of previous works, but live, the three (four, given the addition of a new touring member for this tour) never disappoint thanks to their energy and the sonic impact of their pieces.
