Subsonica at the Forum

A year after the release of their latest album, Realtà Aumentata, Italian alternative electronic rock band Subsonica return to North London, still commanding its back catalogue while pushing deeper into dance and heavy synth sounds. Approaching their 30^th anniversary, the group seamlessly blend pounding rhythms with unequivocal and, at times, socially conscious lyrics

The gig opens with new tracks Mattino di Luce and Pugno di Sabbia, which stand out for their predominant electro-wave elements and an energy that borders on rage. Guitarist Max Casacci introduces Nessuna Colpa (No Fault), referencing the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean Sea, the rising number of deaths, yet the deafening silence of governments.

The thumping and galvanising Colpo di Pistola follows, launching the audience into a vortex of old favourites and ecstatic hits that established Subsonica as Italy’s underground electro rock pioneers in the late 90s and early 2000s. Transitions between songs are seamless, thanks in particular to keyboardist and DJ Boosta (Davide Dileo) who, from atop a human-height spring, masterfully controls his keyboards and turntables to create smooth, flowing sequences. Taking a brief moment to greet the crowd – largely Italian with a few English fans – Boosta sets the stage for the next wave of high-energy tracks.

The audience joins singer Samuel Romano – now fully warmed up and owning the stage – in dancing to La Glaciazione, followed by Disco Labirinto, the hypnotic track co-written with Morgan of Bluevertigo, and then Nuvole Rapide and Nuova Ossessione. The signature mix of repetitive rhythms, adrenaline-inducing beats, and an idiosyncratic fusion of synth and powerful guitar is intensified by Romano’s double mic setup – one standard and one with pedal distortion taped to it.

A striking tribute to Franco Battiato follows with a cover of Up Patriots to Arms, a song that marked the more experimental phase of the Italian artist in the 1980s. The band then pay homage to another key influence: jungle music, born in the UK and resonating through Depre, a track from Microchip Emozionale, the album that helped define their style.

The twinkling, scattered and upbeat Aurora Sogna precedes the funky and exhilarating Liberi Tutti – by this point, it’s nearly impossible not to jump, whether in the stalls or on the balcony seating of the venue. Samuel steps down to greet the first row of fans on the notes of Tutti i Miei Sbagli, still one of the band’s most liberating and fervent hits to date. The show concludes with Preso Blu, a little gem rarely included in their setlists, taken from their 1997 self-titled album.

Mostly a nostalgic trip through the rise of 90s independent music in Italy, Subsonica’s London gig is a potent performance that builds on their solid past while delivering an electrifying, feel-good night in Kentish Town.

Cristiana Ferrauti
Photos: Ambra Vernuccio

For further information and future events visit Subsonica’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Pugno Di Sabbia here: