It’s quite rare that we get to listen to new music from Italy, so being able to unleash an Italian band that actually sings their native language was an opportunity I did not want to miss out on! That band is Gli Incubi di Freud, mixing together elements of hip-hop and rap into one irresistible package on new EP release, Diastole.
By Jane Howkins
Diastole kicks off with immense opener Leader Carismatico. It bursts out of the seams with some amazing riffs that hint largely at the classic metal scene, as the emotive vocals are rapped along. However, I wouldn’t say the music Gli Incubi di Freud make is nu-metal – it’s more of a rock/metal sound with elements of hip-hop and funk thrown in for good measure. There’s also a good deal of singing on this song, as well as rapping, and it doesn’t matter that I can’t understand the lyrics, as the sheer passion is enough to love!
E Poi Non Ridi Piu takes things in a completely different direction – the riffs are still there, but an unexpected (yet lovely) surprise comes in the form of the woodwind instrumentation. It’s got an almost world music/folk sound at times, although the beat is catchy as all hell, creating a singalong quality. The music builds up towards the end, keeping the energy raised throughout.
Un vero uomo goes back to the heavy rap-rock attitude found on the first song – there’s clearly a fire in the belly of this band and they’re not afraid to sing about it! The riffs are heavy, but it’s also a pretty melodic track, utilising some lovely guitar riffs that draw you in on the very first listen, matching the rhythm section perfectly. It breaks down into a slightly mellower number later on, allowing the synths to truly shine through.
Il cuore di Icaro is up next, and it’s remarkably different from anything that’s come before. It’s an acoustic track, showing a completely different side to the band. Towards the end, the beat and bass kick in properly, swelling to really make you feel the emotions of the lead vocalist.
Il vaso di Pandora sees Gli Incubi di Freud moving in yet another direction. It sounds to me like a folk-punk track at times, albeit with the sort of folk music prominent in the country of Italy. What’s even more impressive is the female voice that appears here, harmonising perfectly with the lead vocalist on some parts, before taking over her own verses at other points. This is perhaps my favourite song on the entire record!
The final track is simply titled Tum. Again, it’s a completely different style of song to what’s come before. It’s largely instrumental, apart from specific parts that have recorded spoken vocals. The band use the synths really well to create something really imaginative, showing how amazing their songwriting skills truly are.
Gli Incubi di Freud are one of the best band’s I’ve heard in a long time. It’s rare that an act can bend the genres so much and make it all work, but it really does! You have to check out Diastole!
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