In a landscape where algorithms often dictate trends, The Peripheries are carving out their own path—gritty, melodic, and unmistakably real. Hailing from Northern Italy and formed in 2023, this five-piece new wave collective is making waves with their debut album Mechanical Reproductions, a raw and resonant offering that blends post-punk, synthpop, and darkwave influences with something increasingly rare in today’s scene: purpose.
At the heart of The Peripheries is a shared defiance of musical stagnation. “Music is a universal way of communicating,” says guitarist and songwriter John Johnson. “Notes have no cages, boundaries or even masters. The industry wants flat, soulless, idealess music. We’re here to push back.”
Who They Are
More than just a band, The Peripheries operate as a true artistic collective. There’s Carlo ‘Wiz’ Rossi, whose commanding vocals channel everything from punk urgency to mournful elegance. Sabina Morgagni, the Ravenna-based drummer, supplies the band’s raw rhythmic backbone. Claudio “Udo” Bianconi holds down the low end with a fluid, expressive bass style. Flaminia Samperi weaves experimental synths and atmospheric textures into every track. And behind the scenes (and on the strings), John Johnson handles composition, guitar, synths, and backing vocals.
Each member brings something personal beyond music—Sabina designs merch, Flaminia is active in the theatre scene, Udo creates graphic novels, and Carlo is a visual designer. Their individual disciplines bleed into the band’s aesthetic, resulting in striking visuals, thoughtful lyrics, and immersive live shows.
What They Sound Like
Think early 80s synthpunk meets European underground art-rock. Their songs are dense with meaning, yet they’ll still make you move. Lead single “Lodestar”, from their debut album, opens with stuttering synth and bass before building into a cathartic howl. But it’s not just about sound—the song reflects on the migration experience, using the Lodestar as a metaphor for the seductive but risky pursuit of a better life.
Other standout tracks from Mechanical Reproductions include the brooding “Murmansk,” the sugar-rush anthem “Mr Xanax,” and the minimalist goth drama of “Jurmala.” There’s also “Colder Than Your Smile,” which bristles with hooky tension, and “A Shadow Passing Over,” a haunting piano-and-vocal piece that shows the band’s emotional range.
Beyond the Music
Geography plays a unique role in their songwriting. Many of the band’s tracks are named after or inspired by real-world places—though often filtered through a symbolic or psychological lens. These aren’t postcards; they’re mood maps. As the name suggests, The Peripheries are always looking outward, drawing attention to the margins—social, emotional, and political.
Their ethos extends off the stage, too. With upcoming shows planned in Milan, Bristol, Germany, and France, the band is currently touring Italy and the UK to support Mechanical Reproductions. And while they may still be early in their journey, they’re already working on their next chapter. Their new single “The Trial of John Africa,” which explores the life of the MOVE founder, is part of an upcoming project that includes “Hic Sunt Leones”, dropping June 20th.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, The Peripheries dream of building an international community around their music. “We want to be playing festivals and gigs across Europe and beyond,” they say. “And more importantly, we want to keep releasing music that breaks boundaries—not just in genre, but in thought.”
Whether you’re a diehard post-punk fan, a synthwave enthusiast, or just someone looking for music with a pulse and a point, The Peripheries are worth your time. They’re not trying to fit in—they’re trying to reach out.
Listen to The Peripheries
- Spotify: The Peripheries on Spotify
- YouTube: @ThePeripheriesBand
- Website: www.theperipheries.com
- Bandcamp: Shop Merch + Music
- Instagram: @theperipheries