L’Altra Faccia Di Bologna Ovest by Twine Baskets: A Chaotic Love Letter to Rock’s Wild Side
Alright, buckle up, because L’Altra Faccia Di Bologna Ovest is not your grandma’s rock album (unless your grandma is into ska-punk thrash hybrids, in which case, props to her). Released in 2001 by the Italian self-proclaimed chaos merchants Twine Baskets, this record feels like a caffeine-fueled road trip through genres. Ska? Check. Punk? Oh yeah. Thrash and hardcore? You betcha. It’s like they threw everything but the kitchen sink into the mix—and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a sink solo hidden somewhere in here.
Let’s start with the lineup: Enrico on vocals sounds like he’s been chewing gravel and spitting poetry his whole life, while Saguatz shreds the guitar like it owes him money. Nick on drums keeps things punchy, and Saus on bass lays down grooves so thick you could spread ‘em on toast. Hamburger—yes, that’s his name—engineered this beast, and Tommi adds backing vocals that glue the madness together.
Now, onto the tracks. With fifteen songs packed into this bad boy, it’s hard to pick favorites, but two tracks stuck out like sore thumbs—or maybe like fingers jammed in a mosh pit. First up: “Fuck Your Rules.” What a title, right? This one comes at you like a pissed-off teenager flipping off authority figures. The energy is relentless, and Enrico’s snarl makes you wanna grab a Sharpie and deface something. Or, y’know, just nod aggressively in your car. The lyrics aren’t exactly Shakespeare, but who cares when the riffs are this good?
Then there’s “Welcome,” which kicks off the album with all the subtlety of a brick through a windshield. It’s fast, loud, and kinda rude—in the best way possible. If this track doesn’t get your blood pumping, check your pulse. There’s something oddly charming about how unapologetic it is; it’s like Twine Baskets grabbed you by the collar and said, “Hey, we’re gonna do whatever we want, and you’re coming along for the ride.”
The rest of the album follows suit, blending styles faster than you can say “genre-fluid.” Tracks like “Tropical Blacs” bring the ska vibes, while “Oppression” leans heavy into their hardcore roots. And let’s not forget “Love & Reggae,” where they prove they’ve got a softer side—even if it’s buried under layers of distortion and sweat.
What’s wild about L’Altra Faccia Di Bologna Ovest is how it refuses to sit still. Some albums feel cohesive because they stick to one sound, but Twine Baskets throws caution to the wind and dares you to keep up. Sure, it might feel messy at times, but isn’t that what punk’s all about? Life’s messy too, after all.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely—if you’ve got a taste for raw, unfiltered rock that doesn’t play by the rules. Just don’t expect perfection. Hell, don’t even expect coherence half the time. But if you’re looking for an honest, high-energy blast from early-aughts Italy, look no further.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like finding a crumpled-up flyer on the street advertising a secret show in someone’s basement. You know it’s gonna be loud, chaotic, and probably illegal—but damn, you’re glad you showed up anyway.
