THE DEATH OF ANNA KARINA - New Liberalistic Pleasures

The Death Of Anna Karina, an Emilian band from the hardcore screamo scene, mulled it over quite a bit, taking their time. Roughly two years, during which the songs on the new record matured, moving in different directions — not necessarily forward or backward.

The post-hardcore attitude of their origins now finds different expressions, more accessible but no less incisive, hybrid without losing their way; the screamo component, a distinctive trait of a band that has always torn things apart in an inexplicably catchy way, remains alive and pulsing, propped up by songs that build new contexts suited to it.

The opener "Me And Wittgenstein Down The Street By The Schoolyard" speaks clearly, in a language that's plainly rock and roll interrupted, winking at Dischord as well as at 80s Uk sounds.

"Decapitation/Decapitation" stays on the same coordinates, landing its melodic blow with synths that are almost gaudy in the chorus and perfectly in line with the record's underlying spirit.

"The State" is Gang Of Four at their most furious, on holiday in Washington DC at Ian MacKaye's place who, for the occasion, invites the latest Q And Not U over for dinner: it's the hi-hat-driven off-beat groove and the ever-present keyboards that dominate the scene, without forgetting the torrential drive that runs through all 35 minutes of the record.

What's striking is the, dare we say, pop component of some songs, forever balanced between a past not to be forgotten and the need to land somewhere other than the usual scene: a commendable attempt with encouraging results for the future, there's no denying it.

The sound is tough, compact, polished just the right amount in line with the band's expressive signature. Giulio's vocals, whether screamed or not, slot perfectly into the dialogue between drums that are devastating at times, the two guitars and the bass, often and gladly distorted.

Thinking about it, listening to them might bring to mind the funk-tinged New York punk-rock explosion of some time back (leaving the funk part aside a little, to be honest), but even 80s new wave across the board, from Duran Duran (a declared influence and passion) to certain Wire reminiscences in the instrumental parts, dark and stretched out as in "JLG And Anna Karina In A Bar" and in the closing of "I Hear The Seduction Of New Liberalistic Pleasures On Your Cd".

The closing "Instrumental" carries with it the sense of apocalypse and anticipation of Godspeed You! Black Emperor and closes out a record that's like a solid punch to the gut delivered by a well-dressed person, with a smirk on their face and a blade ready to strike.

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30/04/2026