Ho Messo La Sveglia Per La Rivoluzione: A Sonic Alarm Clock You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s get one thing straight—L’Orso’s Ho Messo La Sveglia Per La Rivoluzione isn’t your run-of-the-mill indie pop record. Released in 2015 under Garrincha Dischi, this Italian gem feels like a scrappy mixtape made by someone who just discovered their older sibling’s cool vinyl collection but still wanted to add their own spin. It’s alternative with a capital "A," yet steeped in the kind of earnestness that makes you want to hug your headphones.
The album hops between genres like an over-caffeinated DJ at a house party. One moment it’s all dreamy synth vibes (Enrico Roberto on piano and synth? Chef’s kiss!), and the next, it’s punching you in the gut with raw emotion courtesy of Matteo Romagnoli’s vocals. Oh yeah, did I mention there’s even baritone saxophone action on track 8? Elia Dalla Casa didn’t come to play; he came to slay. And let’s not forget Niccolò Bonazzon and Francesco Brini keeping things tight on drums while also handling mastering and mixing duties like total pros.
Now, onto the tracks. There are 18 songs here (or is it 19? Some repeats got me second-guessing), but two stood out so hard they practically tattooed themselves into my brain.
First up: “Baader-Meinhof (feat. Lo Stato Sociale).” This one hits different. Maybe it’s the collaboration with Lo Stato Sociale—or maybe it’s because the song sounds like what rebellion would feel like if rebellion had a soundtrack. The energy is electric, kinda chaotic, but in the best way possible. Like when you’re late for work but decide to take the scenic route anyway because screw it, life’s too short. It’s catchy as hell, though—not annoyingly so, more like earworm-level addictive. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’ll be shouting along even if you don’t speak Italian. Trust me, I’ve done it.
Then there’s “Come Uno Shoegazer.” If “Baader-Meinhof” is the rebel yell, this one’s the introspective sigh afterward. Omar Assadi’s guitar work shines here, giving off those hazy shoegaze vibes without drowning everything in reverb (thank god). Matteo Romagnoli’s voice floats through the track like smoke from a cigarette you’re pretending to enjoy outside a café. Lyrics-wise, it’s poetic enough to make you think deep thoughts about existence but vague enough that you can project your own drama onto it. Perfect for staring out rainy windows or contemplating why you ever thought dating apps were a good idea.
What really ties the whole thing together is Carin Marzaro’s artwork. Honestly, it looks like something you’d find scribbled on the back of a high school notebook, which fits perfectly with the DIY charm of the music. Alberto Guidetti’s co-production touch on certain tracks adds another layer of polish without losing that rough-around-the-edges vibe.
So yeah, Ho Messo La Sveglia Per La Rivoluzione is messy, heartfelt, and unapologetically human—all the things great albums should be. But here’s the kicker: listening to it feels less like hearing a band and more like eavesdropping on a group of friends figuring stuff out together.
And hey, maybe revolutions don’t always start with grand gestures. Sometimes, they begin with setting your alarm clock—and letting L’Orso wake you up to something new.
