Very young, with clean-cut faces and a strong desire to rock. From Sassari to X Factor, Mad-Dog take over the first episode of the Sky talent show's auditions with "Brianstorm" by Arctic Monkeys. Renato Marchisio, 17, Davide Dore, 18, Jacopo Sale, and Luca Pintus, both in their twenties, immediately turn up the volume to a standing ovation. And even host Giorgia and the judges are won over. "Sassari is the Sheffield of Sardinia," jokes Paola Iezzi, recalling the English band's hometown.

New judge Irama was fascinated by the stage presence: "Rock, grit, technique, passion." Francesco Gabbani described it as "a great shot, obviously pacifist," while Jake La Furia praised "the solid wall of sound in your face." So, four yeses and a pass to the next stage. "And say hello to Sardinia for us," Paola shouts.

Behind the flawless performance is a well-defined musical project, developed between school lessons (Renato and Davide study at a classical and scientific high school) and university (Jacopo and Luca major in literature and cultural heritage). Mad-Dog have already released their debut album, "Shame On Youth": nine songs spanning indie, punk-rock, and alternative, recorded and mastered at home. Or rather, locked away in a "warm, small, sweaty basement." All the ingredients are there; next up is Bootcamp.