XXX - The number of the beat - is the title of the new album by the Italian band LOS FASTIDIOS.
Is there anything more to say about LOS FASTIDIOS?
Anyone who has been involved with punk rock or Oi in the last thirty years should know the band. Hardly any band tours more, and hardly any band is as reliable live.
The title “XXX - The number of the beat -” refers to the band's age.
LOS FASTIDIOS was founded in 1991, which was 30 years ago. For thirty years, the band has tirelessly traveled the stages of the world. For thirty years, albums have also been regularly recorded. The new album is album number 12.
During the lockdown that hit the Italian band very hard, the band members came together virtually and continued to make music. These songs, acoustic versions of their own songs, were later released as a separate album titled “From lockdown the world” (the review at ramtatta.de can be read here: https://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/8692/). This album was released in 2020.
As soon as it was possible again, the Oi-Punk-Ska band went back on tour.
In the meantime, they have now released this album - XXX - The number of the beat - and are booked well into next year on stages around the world.
What does the album offer us for the band's 30th anniversary?
The album features 14 songs that represent the entire musical spectrum of the Italians.
LOS FASTIDIOS come from the street or Oi-punk scene, but have always incorporated ska and reggae elements into their music. More specifically, they have increasingly dedicated themselves to old-school ska and reggae in their recent albums, without forgetting their punk and Oi roots. This transformation is reflected in the album. It is very diverse and pleasing. The production of the album is beyond any doubt, and thus the songs present themselves in a perfectly produced guise.
There is ska-punk, 2-tone ska, catchy punk rock songs with choruses and everything that goes with it. Many songs will encourage the audience to sing along and bring a smile to their faces. For example, “Torneremo Ancora” is mentioned here, but the following “Back in '79” also invites you to dance. Like almost all the songs on the album.
The lyrics of the 30-year-old band look back while also moving forward with new energy. They talk about getting up, moving, doing something, friendship, or simply about a beautiful life (as the thirteenth song beautifully sings, “I will live in a Rock'n'Roll Town...”). One should still be allowed to dream. Yes, one must dream in these difficult times. How the band has managed to pack such massive good mood and joy of life into the songs is astonishing and simply wonderful. Even after multiple listens, the songs manage to bring a smile to my face, and I believe my neighbors already know some of the lyrics too.
Even after 30 years, LOS FASTIDIOS do not sound boring or outdated. On the contrary! I would consider this album one of the best albums by the band.
XXX - The number of the beat - unites everything for which LOS FASTIDIOS are loved.
There is nothing to criticize here. Full marks, and let’s celebrate at one of the band's concerts, have fun, and enjoy the time. The band gives everything for it, as always!
