Posted on March 29, 2010 - by Mark Zonda

Baustelle: i nuovi mistici dell’occidente

Probably fan won’t agree with me, but as time goes by Baustelle are one of the few Italian Indie Pop Bands I can always really rely on. Some of you are still doubting on his honesty. Call him a smartass but Bianconi stands anyway one of the greatest pop lyricists of its nation, making Baustelle the clostest thing we’ve got next to Magnetic Fields.

Clever retò melodic songs and vocals shared with a charmant madamoiselle are not the only points in common with the band. Expecially since the previous album “Amen” the band is investing everything gained (especially with Bianconi writing smashing hits for some of the most popular Italian chanteuses) in ever more advanced cinematic and progressive albums, leading the last “I Mistici dell’Occidente” being more a cinematographic experience rathern than just a collection of songs. Leaving behind the electro disco influences of the previous album, sprites of Morricone melodies and Spaghetti Western has broken loose to explore ’70s prog melodies and old Italian fashion songwriters flavoured influences such as Franco Battiato, Angelo Branduardi and Fabrizio DeAndrè. Not being satisfied with being Pop Idols Baustelle are trying to ascend to the mystic role of  mythological artists, following a maniac care for sounds and details (also thanks to Mr. R.E.M. keyboard musician) but maybe not paying enough attention on lyrics, being unable to reach any of their past apex, with maybe the exception of the track “Le Rane”. This track it’s pure pop-joy, a collision of all Baustelle most loved cliques, Pulp and of course Magnetic Fields, with lyrics at  real top of the pop state of grace.

The importance and the decadence can hunt you since the first boring notes of the Pink Floydian “L’indiaco”, with reminiscences of “Le Ombre” and “Premiata Forneria Marconi”. “L’indaco”, it’s a sacral colour reigning over an elegiac procession celebrating the departure from the joy of life. “There is no hell or even”? Wrong. If there’s something beyond the unknown, this something can be only Hell. And that’s the point. Why Baustelle always feel so pessimistic and dark? Are they trying to ascend to poetry or are just having fun of all those are looking for depressive and negative bands in order to be cool?

Being “Goupies” a clear example on Baustelle attempt to draw a sketch instead of writing a song, “Follonica” is a singing proof on Bianconi composer skills, blending hypnotic cinic and caustic lyrics under the shadows of a  Stelvio Cipriani arrangment.

Fellini movies also tended to be very sad and depressive. Still they always closed with a subtle ray of light and the  quircky sound of a trumpet. That what’s happening on “L’ultima notte felice del mondo”, where Rachele Bastreghi shares his consolatory memories to a clear reference to Elvis  “You dont have to say you love me”, or better its cover by  Pino Donaggio “Io che non vivo senza te”.

If you’re not happy with your life, still you’re feeling open to changes and feel the urge to throw yourself on the sad and dirty waters of the new Italo Pop Scene, Baustelle “I Mistici dell’Occidente” is the right away the place to drown in.

Baustelle – “I mistici dell’occidente”

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