Riverberi by Il Fieno: A Retro Vibey Gem That’ll Stick With Ya
Alright, let’s talk about Riverberi, the 2018 album by Il Fieno. If you’re into that New Wave-meets-Rock vibe with a distinctly Italian twist, this one's for you. Released under UMA Records, it’s got this cool throwback feel but doesn’t shy away from modern touches either. It’s like they took the best parts of the '80s and gave them an upgrade—kinda like finding your old Walkman in 2023 and realizing how awesome it still is.
Now, I gotta say, there are some real standouts here. The tracklist includes bangers like “Due ragazzi immaginari,” “Galassie,” and “Canzone semplice,” but two songs stuck in my head way more than the others: “1983” and “Everest.”
First off, “1983” hits different. Right off the bat, the synths grab you—it’s all nostalgic and dreamy, like stepping into a time machine set to somewhere between neon lights and VHS tapes. But what makes it memorable isn’t just the sound; it’s the lyrics. They paint these vivid little snapshots of life back then, but somehow it feels current too. Like, yeah, we weren’t around in ’83 (or maybe you were, who am I to judge?), but the emotions hit home anyway. It’s not trying too hard to be deep or anything, which actually makes it land better.
Then there’s “Everest.” This one feels bigger, louder, almost like climbing a mountain yourself (pun absolutely intended). The guitar riffs are sharp enough to cut glass, and the vocals have this raw energy that pulls you in. There’s something about the chorus—it’s catchy as hell but not annoyingly so. You know those songs that get stuck in your head without even trying? Yeah, this is one of those. Every time I hear it, I wanna crank up the volume and pretend I’m on stage rocking out, even though I can barely keep rhythm when clapping.
The rest of the album flows pretty nicely too. Tracks like “Levanto” and “Lucertole” bring their own flavor, keeping things fresh while staying true to the overall vibe. And props to Il Fieno for not overloading us with filler tracks—that’s always a win in my book.
So yeah, Riverberi might not reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. What it does do is remind you why New Wave and Rock go together like pizza and beer—simple, satisfying, and kinda perfect. Listening to this album feels like hanging out with an old friend who knows exactly how to make you laugh and think at the same time.
Oh, and here’s the random thought I’ll leave you with: If this album had a smell, it’d probably be sun-bleached leather jackets and faint traces of cigarette smoke. Not sure if that’s good marketing or just weird, but hey, it works for me. Check it out—you won’t regret it.