Is there any better imagery than broken teeth? La Crisi don't seem to think so. Given the ferocity on II - Tutti a Pezzi I have to wonder if the cover image is what singer Mayo's mouth looks like after a particularly violent show.
When it comes to namedropping influences, there are plenty of good ones for this band: Bad Brains, Los Crudos, Negative Approach, and a little Suicidal Tendencies. They wear these proudly, and the result is some honest hardcore with a familiar sound. The band members have been in a number of groups - mostly based out of Italy - and was founded by former Sottopressione members. II - Tutti a Pezzi is their second release and this one features a newly placed rhythm section. Their mission statement is to play "classic Italian old school hardcore" and they have US distribution via Bridge Nine. Is that an impressive enough pedigree for you?
The band uses a lot of buzzsaw guitars, as in "Star Wars" and "A Verita e Leggermente Differente" while Mayo typically screams into the mic with no respite. On occasion, he varies this with a fast talking style, and there are one or two spots where he elongates a note or two in an almost singing fashion - those moments, fortunately, are limited and pass before your pacemaker has noted the switch. Thank god the days of sing-scream hardcore are over. He switches between styles of delivery effectively within each song.
The guitars really carry the band, perhaps due to recent lineup changes before recording. The rhythm section does a solid job, and new drummer Moreno drives the aggression, but the focal point really seems to be the charging guitar work, which alternates between power chords, shredding riffs, and the occasional breakdown. "Il Resto di una Vita" and "La Mia Ultima Lettera" stick out as favorites. The closing title track opens with a doom riff and slowly builds into a frenzy to match the rest of the record.
While I enjoy it from the start, I find myself getting more energized as the album continues: a sign that the band is doing things right. This is hardcore as it's meant to be. Angry, relentless, and communal. Short, fast, and loud. What are the songs are about? Well, I'll have to defer you to an Italian speaker, but I'm pretty sure they're angry.
