The third studio album from Italian modern glam rock n' rollers Måneskin is finally out, released January 20th 2023, and was most definitely worth the wait. Damiano David, Victoria De Angelis, Thomas Raggi, and Ethan Torchio did not disappoint. Taking the iconic, instantly recognizable sound from their previous records and mixing it with a newer, darker sound, the record is outstanding. With 17 tracks and influences such as Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine and the legendary Iggy Pop of The Stooges, this record never gets boring and is such a fun album.
The record opens up with "OWN MY MIND", a straight rock n' roll anthem. The beginning gives a similar feel as "Blue Monday" by New Order, especially that drum intro. Next up is the fourth single from the record, released January 13th 2023,"GOSSIP" features none other than Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, doing that iconic wailing-guitar-thing he does so well. Both tracks are strong album openers, perfectly introducing you to the record. Moving through the album each song takes you somewhere. By this I mean somewhere like those old rock shows you see recordings of, like an old Stooges or T. Rex show. Platform shoes, flared pants, glitter, leather, guitar solos, bass solos. That's something I love about these guys, they're the real deal. If Iggy Pop approves of them, I do too.
Skipping ahead, "GASOLINE" instantly caught my attention. I loved De Angelis's bass lines throughout the whole album, but especially on this song. What a cool tune. After this track comes "FEEL", a song with an awesome guitar riff behind Damiano David's iconic vocals. And the bridge, what is that in the background, piano? Acoustic guitar? Whatever it is, this song gives off such an interesting vibe and I love it. Definitely one of the best tracks, at least in my opinion. But, my favorite from the album is next, "DON'T WANNA SLEEP" is such a cool track. I love the guitar solo, and lyrically it's incredible. Next is "KOOL KIDS" which is such an unusual song, but I'm into it. I think it does a good job of explaining the album and the band, especially with the lyrics "I'm a scum, real scum, but I'm good at this / We're not punk, we're not pop / We're just music freaks."
Next is "IF NOT FOR YOU", a moodier song with a heavier vibe to it. It uses moodier guitar chords that I love, and lyrically, it's beautiful. This is easily one of my favorites. And the strings in the back, genius, when the drums come in? So beautiful. This is such a beautiful track. Skipping ahead again, track 14 is "IL DONO DELLA VITA" an amazing song written in Italian. Lead singer Damiano David discussed writing music in Italian in an interview with Bryan Reeseman of Billboard on January 20th 2023, saying "Basically, when we started being a band and writing songs, we started writing in English, because 90% of our influences are not strictly English, but English-sounding. We had to learn how to write music in Italian because we never thought about it."
The next track was the first single, released October 8th 2021, titled "MAMMAMIA." This was the only single I'd heard before I listened to the whole record, and I loved it when it first came out. It reminds me of The White Stripes, there's a very Jack White feel to it. And the iconic lyric "They ask me why I'm so hot, 'cause I'm Italiano" I absolutely love. Now to the last track on the album, which was the third single, released October 7th 2022. "THE LONELIEST" is without a doubt one of the best tracks from the record. The song is simply about leaving someone you love. It's such a good sad rock ballad, the solo reminds me a little bit of Adrian Belew's playing.
Overall, this was such a good album that's definitely worth listening to. It perfectly combines an old sleazy glam rock sound with modern rock. Måneskin is an incredible band, and if you haven't given them a listen, go ahead, do it.
gracie slaying per usual!