What makes Essere o sembrare by Litfiba notable?

The album received critical acclaim in Italy, solidifying Litfiba's status within the rock genre and helping them to regain commercial momentum. It also highlighted their evolution as artists while remaining relevant in the changing music landscape of the mid-2000s, influencing a resurgence of interest in Italian rock music. By the time 'Essere o sembrare' was released in 2005, Litfiba had already established themselves as a prominent force in Italian rock, particularly after their earlier success with albums like 'El Diablo' in 1990. This album marked a notable return to their roots following a period of experimentation and lineup changes, showcasing a more cohesive sound that connected with both long-time fans and a new audience.

Who is Essere o sembrare for?

Essere o sembrare works well if you're into short bursts of vibrant energy, introspective lyrics for contemplation and for upbeat gatherings.

How many songs are on Essere o sembrare?

Essere o sembrare has 9 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Essere o sembrare

Litfiba · 2005

33 min · 9 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of rock energy and new wave sensibilities, marked by soaring melodies and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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La tela del ragno — This opening track effectively sets the tone for the album with its compelling mix of urgency and melodic depth, encapsulating themes of entrapment and liberation.
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Giorni di vento — The song combines poignant lyrics with an anthemic chorus, drawing listeners into its reflective narrative about change and resilience against life's challenges.
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Mystery Train — A cover that transforms a classic into something uniquely Litfiba, this track showcases their ability to reinterpret influences while maintaining their signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock and new wave effectively, showcasing strong melodies but with some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rock track that sets a high energy level, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more introspective themes.
Several tracks feature layered guitar riffs and synth elements that create a rich soundscape, particularly in 'Alba e tempesta' and 'Giorni di vento'.
The lyrics often reflect personal and existential themes, with a notable shift in tone towards the latter part of the album, especially in 'Sottile ramo'.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short bursts of vibrant energy
introspective lyrics for contemplation
for upbeat gatherings
engaging melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy immersive experiences
seek slow, reflective soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — The album solidified Litfiba's status and showcased their artistic evolution.
Career context: By the time 'Essere o sembrare' was released in 2005, Litfiba had already established themselves as a prominent force in Italian rock, particularly after their earlier success with albums like 'El Diablo' in 1990. This album marked a notable return to their roots following a period of experimentation and lineup changes, showcasing a more cohesive sound that connected with both long-time fans and a new audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Marlene Kuntz· Afterhours· Subsonica