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Rating: THE RETURN OF DEXSTER (I know you didn't want it but unfortunately that's how it is!)
Album: Verdena
Artist: Verdena
Year: 1999
Produced by: Verdena & Giorgio Canali
Website: www.verdena.com
September 24th 1999; a small yet great gem of Italian rock is released in all record stores: "Verdena", an album born from the meeting between Alberto, Luca, and Roberta with producer Giorgio Canali (former guitarist of CCCP and current guitarist of PGR). The rest is not boredom (sorry to the legendary Califfo), but rather, history!
The grunge sound is audible, visible, palpable and flows like blood through all the veins of the album, so much so that it doesn't stop even after the end of the record. Distorted guitar riffs and bass lines, also distorted, magically unite with a drum rich in powerful textures and undoubtedly hysterical, like Alberto's voice which, in the choruses, brushes against the purest screaming and yet remains lovable.
The themes addressed are numerous: lost love, sadness, depression, and the boredom that crowds (in pure grunge style) a flat existence; there is certainly not a lack of that thin line representing the ironic cynicism with which everything is mixed and confused between a light phrase and a decidedly heavier one, like a stone in the stomach. Unlike other groups in the field, Verdena, from this first album, stand out for the use of electric instruments like synthesizers. The curtain rises with "Ovunque", a nocturnal, thoughtful, and paranoid song to the point of drowning the listener in a sea of "liberating depression"; Alberto's voice is an irregular fire that burns the recording studio's microphone, the drums become in some way the real protagonist, while the end of the piece is completely crazy yet effective. "Valvonauta", the second track, the first single released and the most played music video on MTV Italy in 1999, is a real diamond in the form of a song; simple but effective guitar riffs are supported by a bass that distorts on a harmonic carpet that still tastes of "garage", of "immaculate", of "rehearsal room" in some old and dusty basement: "and even if there’s no honey, it comes sweet to me" is the cult phrase of the song!
"L'infinita gioia di Herny Bahus" is perhaps one of the most moving tracks of "Verdena", perhaps a bit too similar to "Valvonauta" but still very effective on the emotional level! "Vera", the beautiful ballad of the album, paves the way for "Dentro Sharon", the symbol song of Verdena, the most awaited one in live performances, almost like "Dentro Marilyn" at an Afterhours concert, the one that if missing is noticed and makes a big difference. Roberta may not be the greatest Italian bassist but, especially in "Dentro Sharon", she demonstrates a great command of her instrument, managing to dig deep and bring to the surface the magical madness of the four strings. The lyrics are well written from the first to the last word ("you tremble a bit and not easy, to scream in your noises for you"); the 1999 nonsense award goes to Alberto, when at 2:43 the music stops and a shrill little voice shouts: "Guys, what a tickle!" 100% crazy, I don't know if genuinely or for show, but it works nonetheless. Among other songs worth mentioning, I certainly wouldn't want to forget the always effective "Viba", the light "Bambina in nero" and the hypnotic last track, "Eyeliner".
Old record but still new emotions! No doubt about it... just listen!
p.s. I don't deny I'd like Roberta's phone number!
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 Valvonauta (04:24)
Mi affogherei
e anche se non mi viene
io senza lei
e anche se non c'è miele
mi viene dolce
e penso sempre lo stesso
mi affogherei
Io senza lei
riesco appena a sentire
che non ci sei
e riesco appena a stupirmi
va tutto bene
e penso sempre lo stesso
mi affogherei...eei
Sto bene se non torni mai
Sto bene se non torni mai
Sto bene se non torni mai...maaai!!
Mi affogherei
e anche se non conviene
io senza lei
e anche se non c'è miele
mi viene dolce
e penso sempre lo stesso
mi affogherei...eei
Sto bene se non torni mai
Sto bene se non torni mai
Sto bene se non torni mai...maaai
11 Bambina in nero (02:57)
Lei si consuma su di me
lei si nasconde ma non so dov'è
con le tue ali in coma stai
lei non ha tempo io non so perchè
Perchè tu sei sola
e tu sei sola
Lei si consuma su di me
lei si consuma lenta dentro me
con le tue mani in coma stai
lei non ha tempo io non so perché
Perchè tu sei sola
e tu sei sola (x3)
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Other reviews
By charles
Italian music wants to change and that it is not just represented by insipid love songs, but also by a somewhat heavier sound.
Currently, they can be considered safely among the best Italian bands around... and I assure you they are not a flash in the pan.
By Kenny
At the end of this album, besides not understanding a thing of what was said, some songs I actually liked.
Sure 'Valvonauta,' where he wants to drown, is not bad, but all this album gave me a headache.
By ashanti
The Verdena of this first album almost seem like high schoolers who, to escape the confused vision of things typical of that life stage, find refuge in music.
The tracks do not present listening difficulties. Almost monotonous, but intense and deeply emotional.
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.
