Review: Not Moving ‘That’s All Folks!’
Talking about Not Moving, one of the most important and legendary bands in the Italian underground rock scene, is like taking a journey back in time. Formed in Piacenza in 1981, they were one of the wildest Italian rock ’n’ roll bands all over the ‘80s. They released a bunch of great records, toured incessantly around Italy and abroad, opened gigs for the likes of The Clash and Johnny Thunders, forged not only a distinctive sound but also expressed a vibrant energy that immediately captured attention.
Their ability to blend disparate influences with an authentic vision allowed them to establish their own unmistakable style, quickly elevating them from a local phenomenon to a benchmark for the entire scene. From their beginnings as a quintet to the present day, the group featuring Rita ‘Lilith’ Oberti (singer/songwriter), Domenico ‘Dome La Muerte’ Petrosino (guitar), and Antonio ‘Tony Face’ Bacciocchi (drums) has evolved significantly in their musical journey.
Their discography reflects a diverse range of sounds, moving beyond their initial raw punk rock roots to explore genres like blues, rockabilly, psychedelia and ‘60s garage all mixed together. Albums such as Sinnerman (Spittle, 1986) and Flash On You (Electric Eye, 1988), the fantastic EPs Black ’n’ Wild (1985) and Jesus Loves His Children (1987), both on Spittle, showcase this transformation while still echoing influences from bands like The Gun Club, The Cramps or Aussie-rock contemporaries.
In 1989, a significant shift occurred in the music landscape when Lilith, Tony, and Milo parted ways to form a new short-lived group called Time Pills. Meanwhile, Dome and keyboardist Maria Severine chose to continue under the Not Moving moniker. The same year, they released a mini-album entitled Song Of Myself (Wide), featuring Italian underground stars like Luca Re (The Sick Rose), Giovanni Lindo Ferretti (CCCP – Fedeli alla Linea), Zazzo (Negazione) and above all, Indian native poet Lance Henson in a fruitful attempt to mix poetry, political activism and music.
Six years later, it was time for a ‘final’ album, Homecomings (Pick Up, 1995) that showed a different path, leaning into a more psychedelic progressive rock style – including a remarkable rendition of Van der Graaf Generator’s Killer. After a first reunion with the original line-up in 2005, in 2019 Lilith, Dome and Tony, augmented by female guitarist Iride Volpi, reunited and adding LTD to their moniker.
As Not Moving LTD they released a same-titled 7” and the excellent LP Love Beat in 2022, both for Pisa’s renowned label Area Pirata. This album ultimately delivered an undeniably catchy experience through a collection of songs that move towards rock and roll rhythms, soulful slow blues ballads, and a hint of glam, all underscored by Lilith‘s distinctive smoky vocals. Yet, the band’s evolution continued, and now they have reappeared simply as Not Moving to say goodbye to their numerous fans with a last musical effort, significantly entitled That’s All Folks!
a raw, emotionally charged journey through jailhouse blues and dirty psych garage rock…
The album stands as a profound testament to their evocative musical style, a heartfelt creation born from the deepest recesses of their collective spirit. Through its nine songs, this work emerged from a shared desire to simply spend more cherished time together, both as a cohesive band unit and as companions whose bond has deepened over decades. Each note and lyric is filled with the echoes of an incredible journey, an adventure that, after more than four decades of intertwined experiences, both on and off the stage, now gracefully draws to its conclusion.
This album is a raw, emotionally charged journey through jailhouse blues and dirty psych garage rock, brimming with vibrant intensity and a profound human charge. At its core, the sound pulses with Dome La Muerte‘s masterfully expressive guitar, which effortlessly shifts from weeping introspection to radiant fervour. Complemented by Tony Face‘s slow yet bombarding drums, while Lilith‘s voice, a captivating blend of hoarse, deep, and bluesy romanticism, anchors the narrative, and Iride Volpi‘s second guitar and backing vocals add crucial texture. The sheer artistic immensity is immediately apparent in the outstanding and overwhelming ballad Ray Of Sun, a track so powerfully affecting, it’s capable of moving one to tears, drawing you deep into Not Moving‘s world.
The journey begins with an honoured nod to the legendary Blind Billy Johnson, reprising Soul Of A Man, before exploding into the vibrant, Rolling Stones-esque energy of But It’s Not and Once Again, both showcasing Dome‘s breathtaking guitar work, and further delving into emotional depths. Then there is the ballad like On My Side which evokes the raw intimacy of early Nick Cave and PJ Harvey, delivered with profound personal conviction.
The Devil With The Blue Dress On, a ‘60s classic blues song written by Shorty Long and William ‘Mickey’ Stevenson, is sheer beauty and ends with a sad piano touch. A distinct flavour emerges with Wyoming Girl, which rides on a wobbly piano backdrop, blending glam with a Spirit In The Sky essence, before the album gracefully concludes with Lilith‘s recited Not Moving, a poignant piece originally by DNA, the very group from which this project draws its name and spirit.
This collection stands as a testament to deep-seated passion and masterful musicianship, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s soul. As they say goodbye to this chapter of their lives as a band, this final offering encapsulates the very essence of their evolution, a powerful reflection of how their artistic pursuit has profoundly shaped and transformed them, not only as seasoned musicians but also as individuals profoundly connected by their shared passion.
That’s All Folks! is a deeply personal and evocative swan song, a true outpouring of their hearts and souls that beautifully marks the culmination of their extraordinary musical and personal long stroll.
Label: La Tempesta Dischi | LaPOP
Band Links: Facebook | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo
