Music
Italian rockers Måneskin continue to show they are worth the paper they are written on, as they deliver an intimate, magnetic performance.
The group’s transition from Eurovision winners to global superstars has been nothing short of remarkable, and the journey continues to keep the band’s calendars packed with shows and glitzy TV appearances.
Aiming for a stage takeover of 9pm the tiny North London venue is jam-packed with fans, many of whom are Italians, domestic and international media, and it leaves no doubt about the significance of the staging that is about to unfold.
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Scheduled to coincide with the release of ‘The Loneliest’, the group’s new single, the buzz that’s been surrounding the track is designed to add an extra layer of suspense to the night, and the Rome-based band are not the sort of musicians who are likely to let hungry leave the venue unfulfilled.
With little time for small talk the forty-five-minute execution, comprising of just nine songs, is introduced with ‘Zitti E Buoni’. A title that translates as ‘Shut up and listen’ is destined to have the reverse effect, when you happen to be Måneskin, as the fans sing, dance and leave their mobile phones to care for the highlights.
A charismatic presence, individually and a group, the foursome give a masterclass in how to put on an iconic rock ‘n’ roll show, ticking all right boxes in the book, but in doing so, they come at things from a modern perspective that’s edgy and succinct.
Singer and frontperson Damiano David addresses the crowd throughout the short, yet intense set, instinctively knowing what and how much to say, while bassist Victoria de Angelis also shows entertainment flair, as her stage movements extend relatively far, navigating swiftly between stage and audience area.
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The third tune on the menu is a cover of Four Seasons’ ‘Beggin’. Their version has become a regular set favourite, and its uplifting quality brings in a soulful dimension before US chart topper ‘Supermodel’ begins, a song that offers a Nirvana ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ kind of moment, with its melodic ease, the display of a heavy drum beat and matching guitar riff cordage.
“Very nice” the singer says, acknowledging the audience response. “Do you wanna hear the new single?”, a big cheer follows, but another three songs follow – ‘For Your Love’, the Led Zeppelin heights of ‘Lividi Sui Gomitri’, and the infectious ‘I Wanna Be Your Slave’ – before the big moment arrives.
With an arresting, ballad-like quality, ‘The Loneliest’ gets the live debut it deserves. A fitting finale, it has emotional introspection and is a perfect way to wrap up what’s been a superbly entertaining evening.
Setlist
Zitti E Buoni
In Nome Del Padre
Beggin (Four Seasons cover)
Supermodel
For Your Love
Lividi Sui Gomitri
I Wanna Be Your Slave
The Loneliest (live debut)
Words: Susan Hansen
Photography: Joseph Clarker
