Band : Dufresne
Album Title : AM:PM
Label : Sony Music
Distribution : Sony Music
Release date : August 2010
Review : CD

Dufresne are an Italian band from Vicenza. AM:PM is already their third album, after the previous releases of Lovers (2000) and Atlantic (2006). In the person of singer Nicola “Dominik” Cerantola they have a gifted vocalist who is able to combine his screams with clean bombastic vocals.

Dufresne do an excellent job in finding the right balance between melody, groove and harder elements. The quintet proves that an Italian band can also compete with the American and English rock idols, even if one sings in Italian (only two songs from the twelve tracks). It’s easy to find references for the sound of Dufresne, for instance 30 Seconds To Mars, Disturbed, P.O.D., Ill Nino, Deftones, Sevendust, Madina Lake, Saliva, Chevelle and Quicksand. But that doesn’t mean that these Italians are a copycat. No no, Dufresne are just like Italian cars: a frivolous guarantee for quality design and I can only hope that this band will be able to achieve success outside of Italy. AM:PM contains 12 songs and has a playing time of 35 minutes. Highlights of the album are the opening track “Keep This Party Going”, “While The City Sleeps” (with guest vocals from Andrew J. Neufeld of Comeback Kid), “Horizon (Driving To The Sun)”, “Galaxy”, “L’Ultimo Sole” and “Midnight”.

There are no tour dates outside of Italy confirmed yet for Dufresne.

88/100

Erik.