Second advance track from the upcoming studio album by the Faenza-based band Herba Mate, titled “Bolide I & II,” out on November 20th via Go Down Records on LP and digital formats.
The theme of the work is the growing and breathless pursuit of technology, progress, and efficiency. A contemporary tension that risks making us lose contact and harmony with the human essence and our relationship with nature.
This record is the first of a two-part cycle addressing the concept in chapters named after the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water.
Watch the official music video for “David vs Goliath” via the YouTube player below:
This track, in particular, is very important to the band, which states:
“In ‘David vs Goliath’ we tell the story of an escape from a safe place in search of freedom. In this journey, conflicting emotions coexist, such as a sense of bewilderment and loss, and a feeling of hope, instilled by the natural rhythm of time and the cyclical nature of life. Today, this reflection takes on an even deeper meaning, because the author of the lyrics, as well as the vocalist on the track, is Claudio Colaianni—a pioneer of the Italian stoner rock scene known for his projects Anuseye, That’s All Folks!, and Colt.38—who passed away a year and a half ago. The video clip expresses the dilated and visionary essence of the piece, blending rock, psychedelia, and cinematic atmospheres.” — Herba Mate
The official video is a metaphorical road movie directed by Andrea Barlotti, René Ruisi, and Matteo Pini.
The protagonists are Herba Mate, Leonardo Barlotti, and Luca Pini.
Filming and editing by René Ruisi and Matteo Pini.
“David vs Goliath” is available on all streaming platforms here: https://bfan.link/david-vs-goliath-2
Herba Mate is a trio formed in 2000 by Alessandro Treré (bass, vocals), Andrea Barlotti (guitar), and Ermes Piancastelli (drums). Their artistic inspiration comes from the distant Californian deserts, the cradle of Desert Rock, Stoner Rock, and home to Kyuss, Fatso Jetson, QOTSA, Yawning Man, and Fu Manchu. But here we are in Romagna, and the three friends founded a band to interpret those lysergic sounds, Psychedelic dynamics, low frequencies, and hypnotic riffs in a Romagnolo style, capable of evoking the dilated and dusty atmospheres of those distant, desolate landscapes. The project’s name recalls the famous infusion of yerba mate, consumed as a ritual in South America. In 2005, they gathered their first songs in the self-produced EP “A Desert Section.” Three years later, the band self-produced their first studio album, “The Jellyfish Is Dead And The Hurricane Is Coming,” where the instrumental component is predominant, hypnotic, and experimental. In 2012, the album was pressed on vinyl by the Italian label Blinde Proteus. In 2013, the band participated in the Maximum Festival, sharing the stage with Fatso Jetson. From this meeting came the split album “Early Shapes,” published on vinyl by Go Down Records in 2014. The band continued their live activity, opening for artists such as Fu Manchu, Pontiak, Damo Suzuki, Brant Bjork, Yawning Man, Psychic Ills, and many others. After a long hiatus, the trio returned with the single “Boogie Mouse / Sì è Lei” in April 2024, pressed on 7-inch vinyl by Edig, a historic Italian record label from the 1960s. In 2026, they signed with Go Down for the concept album “Bolide,” which consists of two record releases: the first act examines the elements Terra (I) and Aer (II); the second act will tackle Ignis (III) and Aqua (IV).
The vinyl pre-order and digital pre-save for “Bolide I & II” are active at this link https://bfan.link/bolide-1-2
SIDE A — Terra
01. Gully Island
02. Boogie Mouse
03. Sawdust
04. Milky Way Lungfish
SIDE B — Aer
01. David vs Goliath
02. Daisy
03. Juli
04. Poppy
05. Desert Inn III
Lineup:
Andrea Barlotti / Guitar
Alessandro Trerè / Bass, Vocals
Ermes Piancastelli / Drums
Upcoming Live Dates:
14/11/2026 | Cervia, Ravenna | Red Velvet Corazón
28/11/2026 | Faenza, Ravenna | Clan Destino
11/12/2026 | Treviso | TV Eye
12/12/2026 | Villa del Conte, Padova | Ricky’s Pub