April 2006 / October 2005 / February-April 2005 / November-December 2004 / July 2004 / March-April 2004 / November-December 2003 / June-July 2003 / March-April 2003 / January-February 2003 / December 2002 / November 2002 / August 2002 / May-June 2002 / November 2001 / October 2001 / June-July 2001 / all web exclusives / search

The title translates as 'my girlfriend left me', but this isn't emo, at least, not as we know it. It's simple, lo-fi acoustic stuff played with heart and soul by a three-piece that probably never shift out of second gear on their way to shows. They're in no hurry, and for all the horns blaring behind them, why should anyone else be? Life's too short perhaps, but if you rush everywhere, what might you miss? My mind's eye image of Italy is somewhat rose-tinted - vineyards rolling upwards towards the horizon and rustic villages populated by the Super Mario Brothers (or look-a-likes) bearing a selection of lasagnes for my delight. The truth, having experienced the filth of Rome on a winter's evening, is somewhat less fantastical. Morose are the band to soundtrack this reality - the simple lyrics (all in English, by the way) may smack of the typical 'girl-leaves-boy, boy-cries' themes, but the stark backdrop represents modern day industrialised Italy perfectly. Sure, one day our hero will find the girl he longs for so dearly in standout songs like A Lovely Waitress and I've Built Up A Craft, and when he does he'll see nothing but blue skies whatever the weather. But for now, dull grey skies and equally dull grey buildings have rarely seemed so inviting.

Mike Diver
March-April 2004

back