Album Review: Guardo Donne Nude by Ironia Della Sorte
Guardo Donne Nude, the intriguingly titled album from Italian band Ironia Della Sorte, blends electronic beats, rock grit, and pop sensibilities into a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Released under Lira Records, this project leans heavily into the Pop Rock style, with rich arrangements and an unmistakable Mediterranean flair. It’s not perfect, but it sticks with you—kinda like that one lyric you can’t stop humming even when you’re trying to focus on something else.
Let’s talk tracks. The standout here is undoubtedly the vocal version of Guardo Donne Nude. Alberto Casati’s voice carries a raw vulnerability that pairs beautifully with Monangel’s writing. The song builds layer upon layer—Domenico Ferrari and Marcello Franzoso’s keyboards add depth, while Giancarlo Porro’s tenor saxophone sneaks in for a sultry touch. You don’t expect saxophones to work so well in a pop-rock tune, but damn if they don’t nail it. By the time Fernando Brusco’s trumpet joins the mix, you’re hooked. This isn’t just music; it’s a vibe.
Then there’s the instrumental version of the same track. Stripped of vocals, it lets Stefano Cerri’s basslines take center stage, grooving alongside Antonello Rivolta’s guitar riffs. Without lyrics, the mood shifts entirely—it becomes cinematic, almost dreamlike. Listening to it feels like wandering through a neon-lit city at night, where every corner holds a new story. Daniele Garofalo’s production chops shine here, balancing all these moving parts without letting anything drown out the rest.
What makes Guardo Donne Nude memorable isn’t just its polished sound—it’s the little imperfections. Claudio Allifranchini’s alto sax solo has moments where it feels slightly off-kilter, but instead of detracting, it adds personality. Same goes for Roberto Prone’s piano sections; they’re understated yet oddly compelling, like someone whispering secrets in your ear.
If I had to nitpick, some transitions between sections feel abrupt, as though the band couldn’t decide whether to lean fully into their experimental side or play it safe. But honestly? That unpredictability works more often than not.
Reflecting on this album, it strikes me how rare it is to find something so unapologetically eclectic these days. Most artists stick to formulas, afraid to mix genres too boldly. Not Ironia Della Sorte—they throw everything into the pot and trust listeners to keep up. And hey, maybe that’s why the album title caught my attention in the first place. Who wouldn’t want to know what “watching naked women” sounds like? Turns out, it sounds like Italy—a little chaotic, deeply passionate, and impossible to forget.
Final thought: If this album were a dish, it’d be pasta carbonara. Simple ingredients, complex flavors, and best enjoyed with a glass of red wine (or two). Cheers to Ironia Della Sorte for serving up something truly unique.
