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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Courtesy of Måneskin / Sony Music

Sip the ‘Gossip’: Måneskin’s new studio album “RUSH!” out January 20th

“I'll be the pill that you wanna swallow / When you're looking for the joy,” Damiano David broods over a punk-spirited bass riff on the song “READ YOUR DIARY,” the eleventh track from Måneskin’s 17-track album “RUSH!” This could very well be a lyric derived from any of the band’s many musical influences such as Black Sabbath, Aerosmith or Arctic Monkeys. 

The musical foursome’s “Loud Kidz” style becomes quite clear, however, in the following song: an entirely Italian-composed track titled “MARK CHAPMAN,” named after John Lennon’s fame-seeking murderer. The two songs tie together the duality of Måneskin’s musical style nicely, as does the majority of the album itself. The awaited third studio album was promoted and released under Columbia Records, and its initial musical influence is clear; the hour-long composition proves itself a testament to the band’s unrestricted range of style. 

Following their highly televised “Eurovision” win in 2021, Måneskin was propelled into the chaotic world of mainstream rock, establishing their “rock’n’roll circus” persona which took the world by storm. As their popularity gained momentum in the United States, the band began increasing their lyrical focus to the American rock community, shifting from their native Italian lyricism to heavier, English-spoken blues influences as heard in their 2017 debut semi-cover album “Chosen.” 

“RUSH!” is determinedly their most English-heavy album to date, with over three-quarters of the tracks sung in the language. European and other fans alike have expressed concerns about the band’s withdrawal from their linguistic origins. However, the band has maintained its Italian charm through tours and televised interviews in the form of the members’ outlandish stage presences and candid personalities.

In Måneskin’s interview with Spotify about the album and its influences, lead singer Damiano David conveyed his thoughts surrounding the general meaning of the record: “RUSH!” was described as a “journey,” complete with songs composed at all points in their track to global fame. These include “COOL KIDZ,” which was written in the emotional zenith following their “Eurovision” win along with tracks like “MAMMAMIA” and “BLA BLA BLA,” both of which react to the pressure and stress accompanying their propelled career. 

Additionally, bassist Vic De Angelis paid testament to the musical freedom they were offered while writing and recording. “I really like when you can feel the freedom ... and not follow the rules and schemes in the writing process,” De Angelis said to Spotify.

Surprisingly, the album is either overproduced or overly-conforming in places. Aspects of heavy production are evident in the rock ballad “IF NOT FOR YOU,” a Nirvana-esque intro reminiscent of a somewhat overdone style credited to producer Max Martin (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry) and an array of producers rotating throughout the record. The large cast of musical contributors might also be the root of the relative unpredictability between tracks. 

But transience is what makes listening fun, right? It seems to me, as a seasoned listener of the band’s previous records, that the new album tackles the “trendy” whilst attempting to purvey the outlandish musical style to which they have become known. 

Måneskin’s career-changing transition from covering American rock to inspiring it is evident in their propulsion up the global charts. This album seems to pay unique tribute to their experience taking charge of the current musical landscape. Each song adds something refreshing to the band’s ever-changing discography, and will surely entertain in their upcoming world tour performances.

RATING: B+

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