Radici e le Ali

Renown in Italy Gang ostensibly gave up hope at international acclaim with the release of Le Radici e le Ali in 1991. Until then all of their albums were sung in English. To the delight of Italian fans this was their first record to be sung exclusively in their native tongue. Their socially and politically infused lyrics are accompanied by a variety of musical styles ranging from alternative rock to Italian folk-rock to brass bands to country to standard rock & roll. If the musical and ideological sensibilities of John Mellencamp, the Mekons and the Ukrainians were mixed in a blender and then translated into Italian the end product could feasibly be Gang. Their mishmash of ingredients makes it difficult to categorize, however, their uniqueness resonates loud and clear. ~ Dave Sleger