Tales Of Aggro
- Matteo Sedazzari - Zani
The first novel from the pen of author Matteo Sedazzari was the acclaimed A Crafty Cigarette – Tales of a Teenage Mod from a few years ago. Tales Of Aggro is his second novel, written in a style that draws from the work of the likes of Hunter S Thompson’s gonzo-type of approach. It also comes with an accompanying three-track CD single, written and co-performed by Matteo. Tracks are Tales of Aggro (Bovver Boy Edit), Crafty Cigarette (Revolution is Coming edit), and Tales of Aggro (Undercover Cockney remix), all of which were recorded during the summer of 2018, inspired and influenced by the (imaginary) soundtracks to Matteo’s books, drawing from the likes of The Jam, The Who, The Smiths, Madness and The Kinks, and blending in soul, funk, beats and grooves. The result is a trio of interesting, promising and exciting new offerings. Of course, the single is a bonus to complement the book. Tales of Aggro comes in two parts, set in different eras, albeit the same characters, in the main, are featured in both part one and part two. Set predominantly in the late 80s, with a few track-backs to the 70s to illustrate or punctuate a particular story, part/book one of Tales of Aggro focuses on the exploits, collective and individual, of a bunch of mates in Shepherds Bush, who have evolved through skinhead and mod to become casuals, collectively known as the Magnificent Six. Each of the six main characters is involved in the spider’s web of plots and sub-plots interweaving throughout, along with friends, family and adversaries of differing levels. It’s a rites of passage novel with countless reference points for interested readers of cult fiction novels to relate to and empathise with. Part/book two re-visits the colourful, likeable rogues a decade or two on, in more contemporary times, who, when back on the familiar ground of their misspent youth, can’t help but revert to a degree to type. A captivating fictional novel that works real characters from the real world, into fictional events that never really took place, yet in Tales of Aggro are surrounded with an aura of pseudo-authenticity. A fun romp through the fringes of London’s West End during two time periods, seen through the eyes of Matteo’s characters. Another cult fiction winner from the pen of Matteo Sedazzari, along with an impressive CD single, too.