Zanzara is back! Delivering that raw, brickwall sound of the 80’s – Zanzara delivers a couple of brand new anthems that sound authentic, yet relevant – much alike French outfit Rixe. It’s no surprise then that the sound of these Italian Londoners is influenced by the likes of Nabat and early Klasse Kriminale, though you can easily spoon up a list of bands from the “Chaos En France”-era as well. Along with a healthy dose of nihilistic post-punk riffs, a deliberate lo-fi production and killer song structures. Limited edition to 300 copies (100 of them on mustard vinyl). 2 tracks!

By the time I write this review (late December 2022) it’s been roughly two years since Zanzara came, saw and conquered with its debut LP "Gli Occhi Dello Stato"! The band – that despite the Italian lyrics comes straight out of London – appeared pretty much out of nowhere, but instantly impressed with a classic sound that had me hooked from the get go. Now, only a year later, Zanzara is back! Titled "La Testa Abbassata" ("Head Down"), Zanzara’s latest slab of wax is – once again – released by Common People Records and actually came out at the beginning of 2022. So even though this single only came out a year after the band’s first full-length, it took me another year to get my hands on this 45, sit down, listen to it and write this review. But I’m glad I received this 7” before the year closes down, because once again it’s a killer release! As mentioned above "La Testa Abbassata" is a single, so that (unfortunately) means only two songs. Luckily both its title-track as B-side "Le Barriere Sono Cadute" ("The Barriers Have Fallen") pick things up where “Gli Occhi Dello Stato” left us, delivering more of those 80’s and early 90’s Italian Oi! influences! Resulting in a sound that is pure worship to bands like Asociale and Nabat, but especially Klasse Kriminale, Zanzara manages to recreate that old school spirit and sounding sincere while doing so, making sure these two tracks are well worth your while! Released on either mustard yellow (100 copies) or black (200 copies) vinyl, this release is still available when it should have sold out months ago. Maybe there is a lack of hype around Zanzara, but “La Testa Abbassata” is a fairly brilliant single to say the least! So buy now, or regret later!

1. La testa abbassata
2. Le barriere sono cadute