Health

Italians are weather-sensitive, and thanks to the torrential rain there are only about sixty of us to see Health at the legendary Casa 139. The only Italian date for these four kids from Los Angeles, who between 2007 and 2008 were on everyone's lips. Indeed, when the solemn, merciless drumming of "Heaven" kicks in, we all understand why. What is this? Noise? Hardcore? Psych-post-rock? And what about that stack of electronic samplers thrown on the floor, with them fiddling over it like Etruscan priests?

Health couldn't care less that there are only 60 of us. They don't even bother to say hello. BJ, their drummer (the big one who looks like the others' dad), stares off at some indefinite point, as if reading an imaginary score, and pounds away with unbelievable violence, while the others work themselves up, letting loose on their guitars, without making it clear whether everything is under control or not.

Of course, at that volume, it no longer matters: the music is physical, of such power and virility that it annihilates us, and we can't even nod our heads in time. The pauses, used by Health in a way that's as massive as it is cathartic, take our breath away rather than giving it back, and it's a shame the album lasts only 40 minutes (plus the new single "Die Slow"), because I'd have gladly had my eardrums shattered for another 6 hours. Now that would have given the "You will love each other" t-shirt some real meaning.

Honorable mention for the opening act, our own Dance For Burgess: top-quality shoegaze, backed by vocals with a post-punk feel and great technical precision. And that drummer with every shirt button buttoned up plays just like Stephen Morris. One to watch.

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