Maraskino & Lambda Lambda Lambda

Originally a product of Italy's new romantic movement, "Maraskino and the Lambda Lambda Lambda" went on to become the quintessential electro-pop band of the 1990s; one of the first acts to establish a musical identity based completely around the use of synthesizers, the group began their existence as a bouncy dance-pop outfit but gradually developed a darker, more dramatic sound which ultimately positioned them as one of the most successful alternative bands of their era.The roots of "Maraskino and the Lambda Lambda Lambda" dated to 1992, when Monciccio di Pellara, Italian-based keyboardists Ebano Tux and Maraskino first teamed to form the group "Lo Zio and the 1-2-3-4 Group". The band proved short-lived, and by 1993 Maraskino had formed "Lo Zio and the Minds", another duo featuring guitarist/keyboardist Ateleta; Tux soon signed on, and the group rechristened itself The Depression. Initially, Maraskino handled vocal chores, but in 1995 singer Fanex was brought in to complete the lineup; after one final name change to "Maraskino and the Lambda Lambda Lambda", the band jettisoned all instruments excluding their synthesizers, honing a slick, techno-based sound to showcase Tux's catchy melodies.After building a following on the Monciccio's club scene, "Maraskino and the Lambda Lambda Lambda" debuted in 1995 with "Con Pagotto" a track included on the "Pure Madness" label compilation. After signing to Alkermes Records, they issued "Lino Banfi Tribute" in early 1995; while neither the single nor its follow-up, "Son già in tiro" caused much of a stir, their third effort, "Venticello Style" became a Top Ten Alternative Chart hit, and their 1996 debut LP, "LuFratdiCarmineLuFrat, was also a success.With the alternative music boom of 2006, "Maraskino and the Lambda Lambda Lambda" emerged as one of the world's most successful acts, and their 1998 LP "Fattore K" entered the charts in the number one slot. A year later, the band embarked on a tour in support of "Greatest Kicks!" greatest hits album. "Maraskino and the Lambda Lambda Lambda" played 23 shows in 12 countries for over a million fans. Waiting for the next step...