FUWAH consists of vocalist Maddalena Ghezzi, bassist Luca Pissavini, drummer Fabrizio Carriero, and saxophonist Filippo Cozzi. Their second release ‘Care’ is a multifaceted album exploring various aspects of caring. Hypnotic drum and bass grooves infused with intimate harmonised sax and vocals are the core of the album. The band views ‘Care’ as a development of their previous album ‘Eŭropo: sen limoji’ (Europe without borders) released in 2019. That album focused on a woman’s outward journey through a divided Europe, while ‘Care’ adopts a more introspective perspective.
During the pandemic, when the world was shutting down the band members instinctively reached out to each other, talked daily, composed, and helped each other to stay afloat. This natural response to protect and uplift influenced their music, prompting them to write about attentiveness, awareness, and the delicate nature of interpersonal relationships. Caring is the motor that moves FUWAH in the interactions within the band and is the base of their artistic and human outputs.
The album opens with ‘Pierrot’ where Ghezzi asks, ‘What is that tear?’ The band was inspired by the Commedia dell’Arte/pantomime character Pierrot and his mask. The band reflects on what lies behind our masks and protective facades. Following this is ‘Jaded’. This is a stand-out track of the album. The track expresses the desire to never become jaded, as FUWAH explores what it takes to keep one’s naivety and flexibility alive. ‘Jaded’ is an exceptional track with strong, powerful vocals and inspirational backing.
In ‘Human Ideal’ the band questions the values of our contemporary capitalistic world that often feels like “a machine with no mercy” in which each part can be replaced and thrown away. This track is beautifully worked, with driving bass and glorious saxophone lines interspersed and developed to glorious effect. ‘Bad Night Bad Bye’ is an immersive track where the ensemble creates a musical dialogue, surrounding the impressive, controlled vocals. It feels like a conversation without the need for words.
‘Unsustainable Noise’ describes the loud external world and the desire to change perspective and to find peace behind closed eyes among the noise. Ghezzi sings about the constant noise that works its way into our consciousness and the desire to find a peaceful place where you are alive and ‘have the power to bring visions into focus, with your eyes shut in tranquillity’. She sings, ‘Shut your eyes, London needs you alive’ as a reminder to seek out that place of peace- and survive.
‘No More Lies’ was conceived as a protest song against the exploitation of our planet. It is an anthem to care for Earth and a warning against greed. For FUWAH it is important to be a critically active band and use their voice against climate inaction. Lyrics include ‘Your greed and thirst for power leaves people dying helpless’ over a powerful, calypso-themed rhythm with off-kilter beats that create a powerful theme. ‘We are not going to stop until our planet is saved.’ The boundless energy of this track is counteracted by ‘Distant Sound’ which is a gentler exposition of emptiness and how we can feel fragile and alone. Ghezzi’s vocals excel on this number. ‘Know The How’ is about how we can give mutual support to each other and has meaningful lyrics on how we can engage with each other’s lives. The arrangement is more open on this track, serving as a contrast to the close-knit dynamism of the rest of the album. The album finishes with the impressive ‘The Anchor’ where the lyrics, “I was waiting for this. But I couldn’t decide myself. There you were, standing tall, your bright eyes made me feel loved.” It describes the feeling of letting go of one’s fears to embrace love. The track is first a gentle dream-like, whimsical track but changes into a dynamic, release of energy with sighing vocals across drum and bass at close quarters.
This album is impressive in its musicality and dynamic arrangement and each listen brings more to the listener’s attention.
Compositions: Luca Pissavini, Maddalena Ghezzi, Filippo Cozzi e Fabrizio Carriero
FUWAH
band
https://linktr.ee/fuwah
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