More about: Maneskin

Several successful singles, a sold-out tour, and a string of awards later, Måneskin are ready to unleash their first full length album since their 2021 Eurovision win propelled the band to international fame.

Of course, Måneskin’s musical journey extends way before then; they were runners up on Italy’s X Factor and subsequently released an EP, Chosen in 2017, followed by two studio albums, 2018’s Il ballo della vita and 2021’s Teatro d’Ira: Vol I.

There’s a tangible sense of defiance in Måneskin’s music and in the raucous live performances and music videos that accompany it. They’ve cultivated an image, sourcing inspiration from classic rock ‘n’ roll bands but with a refreshing inclusive and politicised approach, appealing to their Gen-Z audience. That being said, they’ve garnered famous older fans in the shape of Iggy Pop and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, the latter of which makes an appearance on latest single ‘Gossip’.

It's true that Måneskin wear their influences on their sleeves – they’ve lifted riffs from Nirvana’s ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ on ‘Supermodel’, and from Television’s ‘Marquee Moon’ on ‘Baby Said’. There are nods to Bowie (“We’re rebel rebels”) and The Smiths (“Please, please let me get what I want!”) Hell, their album even shares its name with prog-rockers Rush.

That’s not to undermine their individuality nor their musical prowess. ‘Own My Mind’ kicks off the extensive 17-track record. It’s a swaggering glam-rock anthem embellished with a fierce riff and addictive chorus. There’s no doubt about the seamless production quality on Rush! Thomas Raggi, Ethan Torchio, and Victoria De Angelis are a match made in heaven here, each bringing their meatiest riffs, boldest drumbeats, and infectious basslines to the table.

However, I can’t help but feel that Måneskin are playing it safe with the lyrics on this record, exaggerating up their rebel aesthetic, and compromising the lyrical beauty of earlier tracks like ‘Torna a casa’ and ‘Coraline’.

Maybe some of their songs are all style and no substance. Take ‘Blah Blah Blah’ for example, a silly self-aware stomper, with lead singer Damiano David’s vocals virtually shouted over Torchio’s formidable drumming and elevated by De Angelis’ swaggering bassline. That being said, it still manages to be a provocative, fist-pumping banger that would ultimately make for a riotous live performance.

But stripped-down heartfelt ballads like ‘Timezone’ and ‘If Not For You’ lie in stark contrast, displaying David’s raw vocal talent and the writing he is capable of. In the former, clearly an ode to his fiancée, model Giorgia Soleri, David yearns to be reunited with his partner, singing about the strain of long-distance love when he is on tour. David’s range is certainly impressive. From his gravelly vocals on ‘Mammamia’ to his soulful intonations on ‘The Loneliest’, and the sprechgesang of ‘Kool Kids’, he can do it all.

"Måneskin have produced an album soaked in swagger and oozing sex appeal..."

Surprisingly, out of an extensive 17-song track list, only a mere three are sung in Italian. Language never proved to be a barrier – after all, the epic ‘Zitti e Buoni’ was the song that elevated the band to superstar status almost two years ago. The three tracks appear back-to-back in the album’s latter half. They’re also three of the most frenetic and thrilling tracks on the LP, with ‘Mark Chapman’ showcasing some of Raggi’s most proficient playing.

Måneskin have produced an album soaked in swagger and oozing sex appeal. The four-piece are clearly having fun with their newfound international fame. In some respects, Rush! confronts the consequences of that fame – from the debauchery to the press and even the homesickness. But behind the bravado, Måneskin have become trailblazers for young rock bands, drawing attention to causes that matter to them and inspiring a generation of young women and queer musicians to pick up a guitar.

Rush! sees Måneskin pulling out all the stops and drawing on a range of genres, from glam-rock and punk to the power ballad, for an eclectic end product, but one that lacks the cohesion of their previous record.

Rush! is out January 20th

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More about: Maneskin