If proof was needed that Brexit was a dumb idea, consider that this is an Italian band on a German label playing music that owes its origins to the sounds of Africa after they were transplanted to North America.
The letter ’s’ is very important in the band’s name because there’s an outfit calling itself The Gentlemen from Sheffield in the UK that plays disco pop. Disco pop? Never heard ‘em but daresay if none of us ever do, we’ve probably dodged a bullet.
The Gentlemens play noisy punk blues. Really good, noisy punk blues. They’re a trio (two guitars and drums) and they sound huge. The absence of bass is not a problem.
Paolo Fioretti is the sole vocalist (he sings in English) and guitarist who also punches in synth and keyboards. His guitar tone is warm and chunky. Not too much chicken scratching here; the man can play. His amico Giordano Baldoni is no slouch, either. They don’t re-invent the form, they work within it and avoid cliches.
There’s a trademark Gentlemens sound but plenty of variety. Daniele Fioretti’s adept drum patterns colour the songs dramatically. It’s why the surging “Out Of Here” with its undercurrent of bass synth rubs up against the fluid blues of “A Second Coming” with nothing sounding out of place.
The blues is all about death and sex. “She Made Me Hard” addressee the latter.
“I Let Ypu Die” and “Stil I Am” are side one’s strong rockers. “John Q Public Blues” shows off The Gentlemens’ dynamics: A sparse beginning swells on the back of a steady bass rhythm and probing guitar licks. “Lower Ground Floor” takes it down to the basement and nails the door shut.
It was recorded at Outside Inside in Italy where the New Christs, among others, have worked, and the ubiquitous Matt Bordin (OJM, Mojomstics) had a hand in the production so you know it sounds good.
