Artist: Bluvertigo Album: Zero

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

Zero by Bluvertigo - A of the Iconic Italian Band's 2nd Album

When it comes to the Italian alternative music scene, few names are as prominent as Bluvertigo. The band emerged in the mid-90s and quickly became a staple in the country's music landscape, thanks to their unique blend of rock, pop, and electronic influences. In this post, we will be taking a closer look at Bluvertigo's second full-length album, Zero, released in 1999. We will delve into the album's history, its genre, the standout tracks, along with what makes it innovative. We will also offer a detailed critique of the album as we analyze it track by track.
Zero was released to huge critical acclaim, and just like its predecessor Acidi e basi (Acids and Bases) in 1996, it immediately established Bluvertigo as a serious contender in the cross-genre, alternative music scene. The album was produced by Corrado Rustici, who had worked with many renowned artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Elton John. This significantly contributed to giving Zero a more polished sound, as compared to the band's previous work.
Zero presents a blend of rock, electronic, and pop sounds, and it is clear from the opening track that Bluvertigo was attempting to create something unique here. 'Fuori dal tempo' (Out of time) kicks off the album with grandeur, a synthesized intro slowly builds up into a guitar riff, and then the song takes full flight. Other standout tracks include the catchy 'Sono=sono' (I am=I Am), the driving rhythm of 'Ovunque andro' (Wherever I go), the psychedelic 'L.S.D.' and the hauntingly beautiful closer 'Il grande blu' (The Big Blue).
One of the most innovative things about Bluvertigo's Zero was indeed the comprehensive use of synthesizers blended with rock guitars. Zero is an album that highlights the possibilities of fusing multiple genres with ease. The sonic palette on the album ranges across vastly different moods, from the atmospheric 'L.S.D.' to the upbeat 'Sono=sono', never feeling like a forced progression. It is this kind of diversity that continues to fascinate listeners more than two decades since the album's release.
In every album, there is usually a weak link, and Zero is no different. The track 'Saldi di fine stagione' (End of Season Sales), feels uninspired and unnecessary, and its inclusion detracts from the overall cohesion of the album. It's the only blemish on an otherwise fantastic collection of songs. Another slight critique is that Zero might try to do too much with too many genres, and this could put off some listeners looking for a more straightforward rock sound.
Without a doubt, Zero is a landmark album in the Italian music scene, perfectly encapsulating the cross-genre spirit of the 90s with its unique blend of rock, pop, and electronic music. The songs are memorable, and the musicianship is excellent. While there may be some strokes of musical experimentation that can come across as too ambitious for the conservative listener, Zero is still a fantastic record that has aged well and is worth a listen. The album confirmed the band's stature as a smart and ambitious band that ultimately exceeded the expectations of many music critics and fans alike at the time.