Italians Do It Better US Vinyl & CDs

Review: .It's pretty much impossible not to fall in love with Desire, no matter where you arrive in their discography. Formed by Johnny 'Chromatics and Glass Candy' Jewel and vocalist Megan Louise, and formerly synth-drum maestro Nat Walker, the group debuted on Jewel's now-legendary Italians Do It Better in 2009, and their first record, II was heralded as one of the decade's finest. More than ten years later, Escape reflected how things had developed during the years betwixt. Still saturated in a kind of borrowed nostalgia, yet focused firmly on crafting innovative arrangements, few outfits can simultaneously sound so polished and yet born to play in the reddish glows of darkened rooms in grimy DIY spaces. As unique today as the record was when it landed, and the outfit were when they initially emerged.

Review: Desire shares Escape, their new album written and recorded in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, California. Inspired by the ultra-vivid world of 1970s giallo films, they wrote the soundtrack of their dreams using their favourite musical instruments: Minikorg, Jupiter 8, 909, Mellotron, Simmons Rhythm Modules, String Machine, a D-50 & Fender Rhodes. Though the set of inspirations are half a century old, the actual sound of this 13 track EBM, Italo and synthpop monster is decidedly contemporary, preferring wompy, sidechainer kick-carriers and basses abuzz, while huge gated impacts collide with steamier intakes of breath and glassy Italo elements. The ineffably laid-back quality of synthwave and pop blends well with the noirer, gothic components and are nicely joined together via the giallo theme.

Review: Desire once again demonstrate their prowess in the field of coldwave synth escapism with this new long player for Italians Do It Better. As soon as 'Black Latex' kicks into gear you know you're in for a red-lit thrill ride that captures all the seduction and mystery of nocturnal body music played the old-skool way. The kit list features such staples as the Jupiter 8, D-50 and Mellotron, while a revolving cast of ghostly vocals impart their message in English, French and Korean. This multi-lingual vibe only serves to take us further away from familiar territory into the displaced surrealism of the sound world Desire like to call home.

Review: After breaking a decade-long hiatus by releasing the Sad Cities album last year, Swedish disco mavericks Sally Shapiro have been on a roll through their association with Italians Do It Better. Jonny Jewel's label is the perfect home for their Italo-informed, pop-baiting sound, and now they're back with a new single called 'Rent'. It's another seductive excursion into the future-past of electronic disco, with the extended mix on the A-side complemented by the instrumental on the B-side and a team-up between NICOLAAS and Steve Moore for a remix. Meanwhile, Italoconnection step up for a version of Sad Cities track 'Believe In Me', rounding out another strong EP from Shapiro and Italians Do It Better alike.

Review: Italians Do It Better, executive-produced by Johnny Jewel, reimagines Madonna's iconic singles within the label's distinctive, neon-lit aesthetic. Originating from Madonna's 1986 'Papa Don't Preach' video, the compilation is an homage to Jewel's synth-driven curatorial vision. Featuring 19 artists, including label regulars like Joon, who delivers an intimate 'Papa Don't Preach,' and Jorja Chalmers, whose sultry 'Justify My Love' captivates, the album is a showcase of the label's talent. Belarusian post-punk trio Dlina Volny's rendition of 'Hollywood' and Los Angeles artist Glume's waltz version of 'Material Girl' highlight the album's eclecticism. The subtractive approach shines with Sally Shapiro's ethereal 'Holiday,' offering fresh nuances, while Mothermary's spiritual takes on 'Like a Virgin' and 'Like a Prayer' resonate deeply and Lou Rebecca's minimalist 'Burning Up' and Bark Bark Disco's exquisite 'Borderline' round out the collection. Italians Do It Better transforms Madonna's classics into dreamy, synth-driven gems, creating a cohesive yet varied compilation that reinvigorates familiar tunes with a unique, modern twist.