BANDA BASSOTTI should be known to anyone who is not only interested in punk rock and related genres but also politically and antifascistically engaged.
BANDA BASSOTTI is the most famous ska-punk band from Italy. The band has been around for 20 years. Originally founded by an antifascist collective of craftsmen, the band quickly gained fans all over Italy, Spain (especially in the Basque Country), and also in Germany due to their political commitment, clear antifascist stance, and fiery passion for a different system and a better world.
In Antifa circles, the band has been and still is somewhat controversially discussed, but I do not wish to delve into that here. This is about something else.
The band's concerts are always, in the truest sense of the word, a celebration. People celebrate together, give each other strength, all accompanied by the nine-member band from Italy that perfectly and enthusiastically delivers the soundtrack.
However, the band's recordings have always been a bit of a challenge. They sold out quickly and were sometimes hard to find in Germany. In the eBay era, the situation has relaxed somewhat, but rare items remain rare and especially expensive.
Now, Rude Records from Milan is providing a solution.
In collaboration with BANDA BASSOTTI's own label “Grindalo Forte Records,” Rude Records is releasing all previously unavailable recordings, and for the first time in the band's history, the albums are also available for digital purchase.
Is this only interesting for collectors and young fans?
Is BANDA BASSOTTI now trying to rake in serious money?
Not at all!
The band, in collaboration with Rude Records, is not only giving everyone the opportunity to purchase the old albums again at a reasonable price but also aims to attract new young fans. In times when there are more and more revolts against the existing political circumstances, BANDA BASSOTTI can provide the soundtrack.
The third release “Avanzo de Cantiere,” originally released in 1994, has warmed up in my system with its eleven songs. The songs on this album are still relevant and are mostly still played live at the band's concerts. However, it is not just the existing relevance that makes this album essential, but also the band's sound. The band's sound in 1994 is not significantly different from the current sound of the band. It is ska-punk as it should be: varied, absolutely danceable, and infused with the special BANDA BASSOTTI virus. Anyone who has ever been to a concert of the band knows what I mean. The legs won't stay still, the mouth sings along automatically, and there is always a grin on the face!
Thank you, BANDA BASSOTTI, for still being around and for giving us the opportunity to purchase all albums again. “Avanzo de Cantiere” is still essential, and in these times, BANDA BASSOTTI is more important than ever!
