bar italia – The Twits – LP – Silver Vinyl

LP – Silver Vinyl

bar italia is a London-based three-piece consisting of Nina Cristante, Jezmi Tarik Fehmi, and Sam Fenton.

They are set to release their second full-length album of 2023, titled The Twits, on November 3rd. This follows their acclaimed Matador debut, Tracey Denim, which was released less than six months ago.

The Twits was recorded by the trio over eight weeks in February 2023 in a makeshift home studio in Mallorca, and it was mixed by Marta Salogni. The album showcases bar italias distinctive style of songcraft, which ranges from raucous and mystic to unkempt and occasionally sinister, all with a high level of commitment.

Notable tracks on the album include my little tony, with its high-energy riff and catchy hooks, the cathartic four-on-the-floor of worlds greatest emoter, and the festival tent psychedelia of Hi-fiver. These are exhilarating rock songs with a touch of wildness and peculiarity.

The band also explores more experimental territory on The Twits, with songs like Jelsy presenting a conversation-like structure between friends set against wistful, buzzing country blues. The album’s diversity is showcased in tracks like the sinuous, slow-burning waltz of twist and the open-ended tracks such as Shoo, which transition from reptilian dive-bar soloing to a palpitating two-note piano coda.

Throughout the album, Nina Cristante, Jezmi Tarik Fehmi, and Sam Fenton demonstrate their ability to manifest different melodies, moods, and cadences, often within the space of thirty seconds, rooted in a shared language and kinship.

Released in May, their Matador debut Tracey Denim garnered significant attention and critical acclaim. The album’s unique sound and style were praised by various publications, and their single Nurse! received airplay on BBC 6 Music and other radio stations. The band’s live performances were also well-received, culminating in a sold-out headline show at the ICA in London, described by The Spectator as transfixing.

Tracklist:

1. my little tony
2. Real house wibes (desperate house vibes)
3. twist
4. worlds greatest emoter
5. calm down with me
6. Shoo
7. que suprise
8. Hi fiver
9. Brush w Faith
10. glory hunter
11. sounds like you had to be there
12. Jelsy
13. bibs