Bathroom at El Cid, Bar Italia 6/19/23
I got the call that a ticket was free an hour and a half before the band was set to play.
Bar Italia's first LA show seemed fit for a Monday, and everyone inside was dressed far to appropriately for the setting. What may have lacked in originality from the crowd made up in the main event, a performance everyone will brag about for years to come.
Bar Italia had been the best kept secret of the noisy British post-punk scene debuting their first album Quarrel in 2020. Mystery and irony are at the forefront of their aesthetic, seemingly not taking their music as intentionally serious. The debut was short and sweet, not sticking to one specific genre yet not earning an experimental title. Their first recorded album becomes more muffled as each track proceeds, as if you are falling into a dreamlike state while listening. With this said, it was a blessing to hear their sound wide awake.
The band spoke not one word while performing. However, I do not think this was due to a lack of chemistry. The three heads of the band, Nina Cristante, Sam Fenton, and Jezmi Tarik Fehmi worked harmoniously whilst not batting a single eye towards each other. I had told my friends that Nina’s demeanor reminded me of Hope Sandoval, in which one laughed and went,
“No”.
They did not bid the crowd farewell and simply took off their instruments and walked off stage. Untrained listeners assumed an encore, but luckily my friends and I linked arms and caught them as they were walking off stage into the corridor. They are truly stunning people; genetics had blessed them well.
Although I tread lightly when describing a band through their online presence alone, I’m not sure how serious they could be when their album covers consist of memes that are popular during the time. I too felt like a crying stick figure once the set ended.
The band themself are wonderful people, not yet touched by arrogance from their success. My lovely friend went to speak to them after the show and was gifted a small strip of paper that had their setlist. While speaking to them he claimed that their image isn’t cultivated, they just come across as the niche they wish to present. This doesn’t discredit their humor or general attractiveness, they are just kind people.
Speaking of the crowd is not anywhere near as interesting as the band itself, but it does speak to the character of Bar Itaila's fanbase. It very well could have been the annoying LA charm everyone possessed, but it gave an aura of pretentiousness. As we danced and sang along, many in the crowd turned heads and told my companion to “be aware” to which I had turned and replied, “must be your first time”. It occurred a couple times throughout the night, but I don’t think our behavior was anywhere near inappropriate. You’re there to dance and sing and enjoy the music; why bother standing stone cold to seem otherworldly to a crowd who will probably laugh at you anyways. Might as well have some fun.
I also must mention that the opening band 2070 was phenomenal. I had a chance to interview the leading members which will come out soon.
Unlike other artists, or perhaps it was due to the size of the venue, they seemed real. I fear the band may be stuck in reddit purgatory for a while until their eventual burnout from popularity. Regardless, the band deserves success. They may be Matador’s unknown goldenchild for the time being, and I hope they continue with this status.
It is easy to throw around terms such as “genuine” or “authentic”, especially when they are at the popularity level they currently hold, but for myself, they have earned the title.