Train To Roots present their single Gaza, taken from their forthcoming eighth album. It’s a song that arises from the need to take sides, to take a clear and unambiguous position on the massacre of civilians that is underway in the Gaza Strip and beyond.

The lyrics take inspiration from Nanneddu Meu, a poem by Peppino Mereu, published towards the end of the 19th century. In the form of a letter to a friend, Mereu denounces the state of misery and oppression affecting those at the bottom of the social order, towards the end of the nineteenth century in Sardinia. Nanneddu becomes Muhammeddu and the scenario moves to the misery and oppressed people of Palestine in this new millennium. Sadly, more than 100 years after the poem’s publication, the same verses that described the state of Sardinian oppression ring true for the Palestinian people.

Recorded using analogue equipment at the Roble Factory Studio, the song features electronic sounds such as the use of analogue synths and a very urban drum pattern.

The single also marks the beginning of Train To Roots’ collaboration with the historic Neapolitan label Phonotype. Phonotype was Italy’s first record label and one of the first in the world, with a unique cultural heritage spanning over 100 years of music. In the words of label partner Nicola Tranquillo, “Napoli does not allow itself to be intimidated and wants to demonstrate its refusal of silence in the face of what is happening in Palestine. Accustomed to meeting, welcoming and dialogue, we are convinced that the sea unites, and also for this reason we want to entrust our message to the connection between Naples and the reggae made in Sardinia by Train To Roots”.

Gaza is available on digital platforms and is also released in 7-inch format together with another single by the Neapolitan ska/rock band Bisca.