Baustelle Release 'Oscenamente Pop' Album L'amore e la violenza

Italian band Baustelle has released their new album 'L'amore e la violenza', which they describe as 'oscenamente pop' (obscenely pop). The album marks a departure from their 2013 concept album 'Fantasma', which was noted for its gloomy, romantic, and existentialist tone. Instead, the new work embraces a brighter, more accelerated sound, blending pop lightness with singer-songwriter tradition. The lyrics, crafted by frontman Francesco Bianconi, touch on contemporary themes such as ISIS, war, refugees, social media, and the idiocy of modern times, while also exploring love, memory, and childhood. The album features references to artists like Battiato, De André, Pulp, Abba, and Gainsbourg. The closing track 'Ragazzina' is dedicated to Bianconi's daughter and features a duet with Rachele Bastreghi, including a version of 'Tu scendi dalle stelle'. The album is described as sincere and intelligent, though not innovative compared to their previous work. The review was written by Helga Marsala.