bar italia – Some Like It Hot (Matador) (13th Floor Album Review)
British indie rock trio bar italia are due to release their latest Matador album Some Like it Hot on October 17th. Inspired by themes from the film of the same name, the band paint a catchy pop infused picture that I haven’t been able to stop staring at.
With a name derived (but really, just plain ripped and then lowercased) from a famous Soho coffee house, AND the title of one of my favourite Pulp songs; bar italia are a welcome (but somehow almost familiar) breath of fresh air.
I will be honest and admit that I am totally new to this band (as usual). However, this is THE BAND I have been looking for.
In preparation for the album, I flicked on the single Cowbelia – what an absolute tune! It’s got indie riffs, attitude and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
On first listen, I thought I knew what I was getting into. However, after the fairly stock standard (but still very enjoyable!) opener that was Fundraiser, the album took a softer turn.
There is some real beauty in the melodies of Bad Reputation (is that ¾ timing? Brilliant!), and my favourite tune on the album, Lioness. The band lull you into relaxed, dreamy moments only to kick into some indie-rock attitude
There’s a lot of vocal sharing, and most songs jump between the three vocalists. Not quite in the same vain as a boy band, but almost predictable as to when the change will happen. Each of them brings their own sound to each song. While I don’t know the band well enough to distinguish the male members, vocalist Nina Cristante has an excellent range. We get dreamy dream-pop on Plastered, followed by a heavy Kim Gordon/Courtney Love-like growl on rooster (with a little bit of whoever sung/spoke on the second album by The Rentals). I really admire the way she turns up the attitude to match the boys.
My only real complaint on about this album is the lack of harmonies between each of the trio. It feels like each singer is recording any extra vocal parts themselves. That being said, when they do harmonize with each other, it’s extremely effective. Perhaps it’s a way to keep music geeks like me in check. Well done, bar italia, well done!
The press release pushes the themes of the album (and the title) being taken from the 1959 film Some Like It Hot. Not being a huge classic cinema buff myself, I’m afraid I can’t comment on it. From what I could gather from the lyrics, there’s emotional moments. But at the same time, from a band like this, I’d expect to form my own conclusions from each song.
It’s not too difficult to summarise bar italia, it’s clever, familiar and a whole load of fun. There were plenty of times where I could hear what they were aiming for. Not so much in that nostalgic-love-letter that bands do these days. But, more so in a ‘here are our influences, deal with it!’.
What’s more, to my absolute delight, I discovered that not only do they have a few albums to their name already, but they’ve got side projects (Double Virgo and NINA). They must be songwriting machines!
These guys (and girl) are touring New Zealand in December. I would be getting a ticket for this one. See them in Auckland at Hollywood Avondale (all-ages) on Saturday 13th December. Or catch the Sunday show in Wellington.
Tickets at Banishedmusic.com
I whole-heartedly recommend this album and band. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a back catalogue to catch up on.
Daniel Edmonds
