Some Like It Hot by bar italia album review by Aggy Kazlauskas for Northern Transmissions. The UK trio's LP, drops on October 17 via Matador

7.5

Some Like It Hot

bar italia

bar italia have already begun to make a name for themselves, and all there’s left to do now is transcend the foundation they’ve built – something they do rather well on electrifying new record, Some Like it Hot.

The UK trio band continues to hone in on their charmingly adventurous sound, with an impeccable synergy between members Nina Cristante, Sam Fenton, and Jezmi Tarik Fehmi. Cristante’s performance often provides an attention-grabbing contrast to her bandmates’ kindred vocals – but that’s not to say that she’s the designated leader; not in this case, at least. bar italia’s musicality lands best when they allow each other a moment to shine, and that’s certainly the case on Some Like It Hot. ‘Marble Arch’ captures this exquisitely – a cinematic track at its core, its gentle composition makes way for each bandmate to step to the spotlight.

There’s an inspiring harmony in the lack of competitiveness here, as well as an excellent example of companionship for those who are considering starting a band of their own.

As a whole, the trio’s fifth studio album, which spans twelve songs, is exciting. Rebellious, even. The project’s crown jewel “Cowbella” doesn’t pull any punches, with glimpses of brutal self-analysis aplenty. It’s moments like these that really elevate the project, further testifying to Bar Italia’s undeniable artistic growth. There are certainly some hiccups, though.

As to be expected, crisp guitar riffs dominate the project’s sonical world. The album’s instrumentation is precise, albeit a tad bit distant. The intent behind each song is generally clear, but there’s an invisible barrier between the listener and the performer every once in a while. ‘Plastered’ is one of the tracks that suffers this fate. It doesn’t cut deep enough to stand out on its own two feet, and instead gets lost in an otherwise eclectic mix of vibrant rock bangers.

Some Like It Hot is a leap in the right direction. In fact, Bar Italia have been inching closer to the global spotlight all along – and this thrilling new record finds them on the path towards the stardom that they so deserve.

pre-order Some Like It Hot by bar italia HERE

Advertisement

Join the Northern Transmissions insiders list

Sign up for reviews, interviews, news, videos, playlists — and more.