We Ragazzi – The Ache
(Self Starter Foundation)

In a time of quantity over quality, it’s hard to trust musical recommendations from anyone. It takes more then angular guitars for a band to sound like Fugazi. It just seems people are too easily pleased. Having said that, after being introduced to a band called “We Ragazzi” by a reliable music source, I can safely say that in a time of mis-represented descriptions and unworthy recommendations, I am definitely pleased.

After a short hiatus, We Ragazzi return with not only a new drummer, but a new full length album entitled “Ache” (available on self-starter foundation) “I want you to love me so much I can’t stand up”, the first track on the record, sets the bar with rhythmic keyboards; panicky drums; accompanied by vocals, which upon first listen seem to be a little over the top. However, through each track you begin to sense where they’re going with this. It’s most evident in “Forever Surrender 2 u” that a seemingly heavy Fugazi/At the Drive-In influence may actually be second to an even more obvious presence of the Rolling Stones, mainly in the Mick Jagger-esque vocals.

Although the songs seem to follow a sort of formula with similar drum and guitar lines, the soulful vocals and danceable rhythms manage to keep the album fresh throughout. Stand out tracks include “Burn 4 U”, “Forever in the first stages of love”, “Forever Surrender 2 U”, “The Ache”. — Jay