The
Squadra Antigangsters soundtrack is one of the most unusual and atypical entries in the
Goblin canon. Even the most dedicated fans of the group could be excused for not recognizing this album as a
Goblin outing: the brash theatrics and heaviness that dominated the likes of
Suspiria and Roller are totally absent, replaced by a slick, often jazzy sound that is overtly disco-influenced. The most disco-oriented of the cuts are "The Whip" and "The Sound of Money," both being vocal numbers that highlight the vocals of Indian disco diva
Asha Pulthi over anonymous, string-laden dance-pop melodies. The score improves with cuts like "Banoon," a reggae-inflected cut dominated by a percussive groove, and "Trumpet's Flight," a jazzy cut with some blindingly fast interplay between guitar and synthesizer. However, the most interesting and unusual of the non-disco cuts is "Stunt Cars": this up-tempo action cut prominently displays some country-sounding electric guitar lines that would sound perfectly at home on a soundtrack like Smokey and the Bandit. The end result is an album that will probably disappoint many
Goblin fans with its lightweight, poppy sound, but offers a handful of worthwhile cuts for the dedicated fan. Collector's note: the CD reissue of this album adds three tracks that were not on the original record, including an alternate version of "Trumpet's Flight." ~ Donald A. Guarisco