Review: Barricata Rossa – …E Non Si Arrende!
Back in time with this splendid release.
In today’s review we debate a certainly dated album, since it was published in 1997. We decided to take it back, seeing as how the good Robertò of Hellnation gave us the reissue of the vinyl (released by Hellnation itself in December 2018). We are talking about a historic album and an absolutely mythical band, that is the Genoese Barricata Rossa, even though “…E Non Si Arrende” is in fact its only one proof.
The original one was published on CD format by Capità Swing and Camallo Produzioni, while a couple of months ago (as I said before), it was reissued on 12” vinyl together with a CD, in order to give a personal touch.
Unfortunately, the insert with the lyrics is missing in the reissue, because this could not be procurable, but I can guarantee you that having this record in your own hands is something ineffable. I sincerely suggest you to get it!
That said, the record is composed of 13 tracks and, after a short intro, it starts greatly with “ Cento Spari Nel Buio”, with the wonderful chorus “Sarà ancora inverno, siamo di nuovo pronti a spedirvi all’inferno” (“It’ll be winter again, we’re ready once again to send you to hell”), it’s my favorite song of the whole album.
What I like most about Barricata Rossa is its musical proposal, an incredible mix of combat rock, oi!, ska, dub and some phrasing of blues, that makes this band unique and, thanks to the excellent choice of the sequence of the tracks too, makes this album pleasant to listen to.
To spice all of it, lyrics are catchy, politically active and easy to sing, inebriating the hearing of all the working class kids and antifascists! I missed a really good band to see live, but after all I was only 4 when they played…
Anyway, this album is really stunning, the sounds are typical of those past years and when they speed up, they are quite a lot vivid for sure. Among the best of “…E Non Si Arrende” stand out “Barricata Rossa”, “Con Un Ago Con Il Piombo”, “Hiltzaile Demokrazia” and “Combat”.
In conclusion, this record is a real tidbit for skins, punks and comrades. Thanks to Robertò for returning this piece of history to us and thanks to Barricata Rossa for giving us this masterpiece.
Over and out, with Spagna in our hearts! Hasta Siempre Spagna!
Reviewed by Tom
Translated by Chiara Piva