RUSH!

This seems like it was an important album for their future direction, which makes it all the more disappointing that they pivoted so heavily toward a commercial sound.

The overall impression of the album was that of soullessly mimicking a deadly rockstar persona. Poppy and safe sounds, an exaggerated rockstar aesthetic, simplistic lyrics — all of these combined ended up burying what makes Måneskin truly themselves.

The tracks written solely by the members without outside songwriters — MARK CHAPMAN, LA FINE, and IL DONO DELLA VITA — are where their distinct taste comes through most clearly. I wish they had leaned further into that direction.

As a personal fan of the band, the disappointment runs deep. The synergy and potential these four create together is undeniable, yet it feels like it wasn't fully utilized here. I hope to see these four together as a band again someday. But whatever path each member chooses, I'm rooting for them all.