BANDA BASSOTTI released their magnificent double live album, recorded at the legendary S.O. 36 in Berlin-Kreuzberg, more than two years ago. An album that captures the live energy of the band well and serves as a beautiful memory of that evening. An evening that I still remember as if it were yesterday. It's strange that the album is supposed to be two years old. Some albums don't age, and you can read why this one is like that here: http://www.ramtatta.de/reviews,id-875,go-banda+bassotti+_+check+point+kreuzberg+_live+at+the+s_o_+36+berlin_.html
The last studio album by BANDA BASSOTTI, titled “Viento, Lucha Y Sol,” is already four years old. Even here, the album still feels relatively new to me.
Now, with “Siamo Guerriglia,” a new long player is on the record shelves waiting to be heard.
BANDA BASSOTTI is the oldest existing punk band from Italy. Founded in 1981, the band has always addressed political and social issues and rarely held back in their lyrics. This has not only brought them friends throughout their band history. The band has consistently followed their path but has also reflected on themselves, and thus some songs from earlier times are no longer played due to changed political and social circumstances or because their own political opinions have changed.
BANDA BASSOTTI is known not only for their political stance but also for their intense and captivating live concerts. Live, the band unleashes all its power. Anyone who has attended a concert by the band knows what I'm talking about. The band captivates and fascinates. Few bands can achieve that.
The twelve songs on the new record showcase the full range of the band. From hits like the opening track “Mané,” which will sweep the audience away live like a storm, to relaxed, laid-back reggae numbers like “Rum & Polvere da Sparo,” everything is included.
Each song is perfectly arranged and recorded. The brass section, the guitars, the bass, the drums, and the vocals are all recorded as one would expect from the band. No experiments have been made. Why would they? The band writes songs that find their way into the hearts of everyone who enjoys political music. The band offers everything the heart desires on this album, just like at their concerts. Life is sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes sad, and sometimes good to you. The album reflects this; there’s a song for almost every mood. The Italian vocals, alongside the music, create a good atmosphere, even though the themes the band sings about don't always bring good cheer. Too much is wrong in this world. Too little attention is paid to the people who keep the world running. Too little can these people steer. Too little is heard from these people.
BANDA BASSOTTI also flirts with socialism and communism with the premise that people can achieve much together, collectively, to make the world better, especially fairer and more just. The band comes from a country that Berlusconi has run down for years, and whose influence is still present, just like that of the mafia. It is a fight against corruption, against false friends, and against the mindset of those in power that those who have money also have power. BANDA BASSOTTI stands for more humanity in the world. There’s nothing wrong with that, just as there’s nothing wrong with this album.
Hopefully, the ska-punk band will play in Germany again soon!
Hereby, every reader of ramtatta.de is obliged to attend at least one gig of the band. BANDA BASSOTTI is something special!
