To date a decent portion of the Dutch label’s output has been dedicated to Spaghetti Dance. But the Bordello is always seeking out artists with modern take on that oh-so 80s sound, and those who seek will often find.
The influences of Italo have always been clear to see on Bordello A Parigi. To date a decent portion of the Dutch label’s output has been dedicated to Spaghetti Dance. But the Bordello is always seeking out artists with modern take on that oh-so 80s sound, and those who seek will often find.
Franz Underwear is the somewhat ridiculous name of Berlin based Italian Francesco Scala. But what is in a name, ’tis the sound that matters. Scala has laid out his brand of dreamy analogue pop on labels like Tusk Wax. The Bordello account is opened with the title piece. Beats are crisp as sleek analogue chords and full bodied bass lines race against one another. There’s a definite groove to the piece, rich and thick bars supported by snapping patterns. The modern slant brings to mind the likes of Mr Pauli or Ajello. “Aria” follows. Drums are again clean shaven as honeyed chords flirt. This is a sound far off from brooding Electro, rather an up-beat and cheerful take on Synth Pop. Contemporary Italo pastiche is close to what Scala is achieving, “Teorma” having those sweetened bars of the past with an extra bit of modern muscle. “East Coast Wave” closes, a toe-tapping work of sunshine electronics to bring the night to a close.
Cattolica ’81 is an extension of Scala’s homeland synthesizer history. The vocals of the Rimini trailblazers have been replaced with the machine, but that same feel and bright eyed enthusiasm is there. A sound that sidelines life’s worries for a little more sun.
Cattolica ’81 is available on Bordello A Parigi.
