London's Los Bitchos are a new group of members from all over the globe, including Sweden, Australia, Turkey, and Uruguay. Produced by Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos, the band's debut album is a fun bash of vintage styles and genres ranging from South American rock to Italian pop to European funk.
Cheekily titled Los Bitchos, this fierce foursome isn't here to play around. No, wait... they are here to play around. Although based in London, the four members of Los Bitchos are from all over the place, bringing each of their own musical interests into the melding pot. Separately coming from Sweden, Australia, Turkey, and Uruguay, the four definitely have the variety and personality of forming a unique band. Even more unique is the decision to become entirely instrumental and focusing on the musicians' talents of playing together. This leads to Los Bitchos' debut album, Let the Festivities Begin! Produced by Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos, this album is a fun bash of vintage styles and genres ranging from South American rock to Italian pop to European funk.
The record sounds like a potpourri of different styles but it all seems to come together quite well. It's a colorful and cheery album that's meant to be played at a party worthy of celebration. Each of the women's performances are well done and the group seems to be well adjusted to the point where it's surprising to see that this is just their debut album. Often when I'm listening to the album, like on tracks "The Link Is About to Die" and "Las Panteras," I'm getting vibes of an old school spy flick a la James Bond. There are also moments, such as "Good to Go!" and "Tripping at a Party" where I'm envisioning an old Hawaii Five-O episode. There are moments where I instantly pick up Eastern influences like on "Pista (Fresh Start)" and "Ffs" (whose title may be reminiscent of the Franz Ferdinand/Sparks project of the same name).
From the band's look to the colorful music videos to the album art to the music itself, everything seems vintage, fun, and vibrant. Los Bitchos are obviously infatuated with the vast musical endeavors of the past (50's, 60's, 70's) from across the globe. That is something I can definitely appreciate about them for sure. Not only that but these songs are pure fun too! The performances are solid and the production, surprisingly done by Kapranos, is a sly nod to the 60's and 70's. My only gripe is that this sound is for a certain mood, vibe and moment in time; it's probably not something I'm going to be listening to on repeat. It's not the kind of music that is to be put on in the forefront but rather in the background of whatever I'm doing. It's a similar issue I've had with bands like Khruangbin, where although I do enjoy the music itself, it's just not something I'm going to be listening to a lot of or holding a lot of my attention to. Outside of this, Let the Festivities Begin! is still a fun album experience from front to back or when played on shuffle. Los Bitchos are for sure a band to watch and I'm impressed with not just their studio work but their live performances (watch their KEXP session on YouTube right now). Put this on while you're on a run, at a party with your friends, or while you're driving to the dentist's office. You'll have a good time.
My Rating: 7 / 10
Favorite Songs: "Las Panteras," "Change of Heart," "Good to Go!," "Lindsay Goes to Mykonos"
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