Today marks the special premiere of Daydream Three’s third album, Stop Making Noise, a project that captures the unfiltered essence of live performance. Our recent guest, Enzo Pepi, the Sicilian guitarist behind Daydream Three, returns with a work that defies time, channeling the raw vigor of his early days in the 2000s post-rock and noise rock scene.
Recorded live over two days at Arsonica in Syracuse during the summer of 2023, the album reflects a deliberate choice to replicate the band’s on-stage sound. With minimal post-production, sound engineer Carlo Barbagallo—who also worked on the previous two albums—aimed for authenticity over polish. The recording took place within the Arsonica concert hall to harness the acoustics of a genuine performance space, emphasizing the band’s commitment to realism.
Stop Making Noise is entirely composed by Pepi and features long-time collaborators Vincenzo Arisco on drums and Alessandro Formica on bass. Both seasoned musicians, they have been integral to Daydream Three’s live performances since the debut album. Arisco, known for his work with Walmus Brothers and ArcaMiri, and Formica from The Pepiband, form a rhythm section that grounds the album in experience while unleashing youthful energy.
The title itself nods to a familiar refrain heard by many rock enthusiasts in their youth—being told to “stop making noise” by parents or neighbors. Despite the years, Pepi and his bandmates play with the same fervor as when they were teenagers. The album doesn’t just evoke nostalgia; it embodies the defiance of continuing to make noise in a world that often urges silence.
Pepi’s journey has been rooted in Sicily’s vibrant music scene. Initially associated with Twig Infection and The Pepiband, he later collaborated with rock songwriter Carmelo Amenta between 2012 and 2014. His debut solo project, Daydream, released in 2019 under Noja Recordings, garnered significant attention. The momentum continued with the second album, The Lazy Revolution, in 2021, co-released by Altipiani and Noja Recordings.
Stop Making Noise stands as a testament to Pepi’s dedication to authenticity. By stripping away studio gloss, the album invites listeners to experience the unadulterated sound of a live performance. It’s a call to turn up the volume and immerse oneself in the raw, unfiltered energy that first ignited their passion for rock music.
In an age where production often overshadows performance, Daydream Three’s latest offering is an honest return to basics.
