Song of the Day - October 5, 2006

When I first cued up Uzeda's Stella on Rhapsody, I knew I was going to like it. Uzeda is an Italian quartet hailing from the island of Sicily. Led by the husband and wife team of guitarist Agostino Tilotta and vocalist Giovanna Cacciola, Uzeda have a hard edge to them that is tremendously appealing. Long time collaborator Steve Albini definitely has something to do with this, as one can detect the influence of his bands Shellac, Big Black, and Rapeman. However, this is not just someone screaming at you or just banging away at their guitars as fast as possible, rather their songs simmer, boil, and erupt with an Italian passion that one cannot escape. I am especially enamored with the opening track "Wailing," which starts out ominously with drums and bass, accented by Giovanna's vocals and Agostino's guitar in a particularly delightful Gang of Four mood. The song twist and turns with tasty guitar distortion that makes for a delicious antipasto for the remainder of the album. Click here to listen.