“We’re out of our minds, but we’re different from them.” The Italian quartet Måneskin catapulted to global prominence after their victory in the Eurovision Song Contest with the rock earworm “Zitti e Buoni,” setting a precedent for Italian artists in international charts and paving the way for contemporary rock ‘n’ roll. Pronounced “moan-EH-skin,” the Danish word for moonlight, the band has set itself a brazenly rebellious persona that is reminiscent of the golden ages of rock — back when it was the epitome of youthful defiance. Indeed, the band’s scandal over the supposed usage of cocaine backstage only added to their mutinous allure, with the South China Morning Post deeming it “charmingly retro.”

Damiano David (lead vocalist), Victoria De Angelis (bass), Thomas Raggi (guitar), and Ethan Torchio (drum) , all in their early twenties, started off the group in 2016 as buskers in the streets of Rome. After their participation in the Italian edition of “X-Factor” and the subsequent kickstart of their musical career, the band has since released three albums as they experimented with various styles of music and public image. Tracks such as “Beggin’,” “I Wanna Be Your Slave,” “MAMMAMIA,” and “Zitti e buoni” are topping both European and international charts, partially thanks to their popularity in the social media app TikTok.

Distinctively Reminiscent 

Måneskin formulates their unique aura by imbibing influences from traditional rock and adding a touch of contemporary style. Conspicuously protruding from the charts dominated by sleekly produced pop, the band records their tracks live in the studio with the rudimentary sound of drums, guitar, and bass. David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, and The Police are but a few classic influences taken by the band. Though their style of music leans towards traditional rock, Måneskin dutifully follows the rebellious roots of the genre and flouts societal conventions with their subject matter. LGBTQ visibility is a steadfast theme in the band’s profile, with queer imagery deliberately included in videos and performances. “We are trying to send a message about blurring all these kinds of stereotypes, between gender norms and stuff,” De Angelis commented in an interview with AP News.

The band’s success may indicate how the world, fatigued after years convoluted with a global pandemic, social divide, and other modern struggles, is wistful for a return to the good old days. The retro fad has been in vogue for the last few years, and the ubiquitous hardships brought by the pandemic have only augmented its spread. Måneskin, with its nostalgia-tinged music and public persona, might be one of its most conspicuous achievements.

Rock ‘n’ Roll for Youngsters

“I'm a motherf***ing monster / Who's searching for redemption.” Expletives, androgynous fashion statements and brash declarations of sexuality — every step Måneskin takes links back to youthful, audacious rigor. Their live shows are known to be feverishly passionate, with sexual and gender norms deliberately blurred in expressions of musical ardor.

All four members of Måneskin were born after 1999, placing them in Generation Z. Though the generation has already seen a cascade of pop luminaries, they are yet to see a defining version of a rock star. The genre, having reached its prime in the late 20th century, has been regarded as an anachronistic relic amongst today’s young. The conspicuous vacant spot for the new it rock star may be satiated with the Italian quartette.

Though members are not avid users in actuality, TikTok had an unimpeachable effect on the rise in popularity of the band. Their single, “Beggin’,” is one of the most heavily streamed tracks on the app; it was the background music for millions of miscellaneous clips, lip-syncing videos, and dance-alongs. A prospecting face of modern rock being the darlings of an app heavily used by young adults is no coincidence. Måneskin, and the genre it encapsulates, is now reaching conventionality with a new-found adoration among a juvenile-dominated social media platform.

Måneskin’s newly gained popularity may work as a gateway to an all-out reinvigoration of the rock ‘n’ roll genre, especially among the younger audience. As the foursome takes on a journey of musical self-discovery and inspires other prospective rock stars in the process, the world receives fresh-faced vitality. It is perhaps what all of us need; a classical rocking-out session to that familiar ba-dum-tss.