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Corduroy In Italy

by Romantic States

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  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $8 USD  or more

     

  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    TWO Romantic States album in one package. The classic 'Corduroy In Italy'—12" black vinyl with full color eurosleeve—and the brand-new future classic 'Ballerina'—12" black vinyl with 2-sided insert. Save five BIG ONES* when purchased together! *USD

    Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    edition of 50 

      $22 USD or more 

     

  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Beautiful black vinyl, package includes full color eurosleeve and digital download. 12" LP.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days

      $10 USD or more 

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    CD with jewel case packaging. Shrinkwrapped. Compact Disc!

    Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 7 days
    edition of 100 

      $5.55 USD or more 

     

  • Limited Edition Cassette
    Cassette + Digital Album

    Black cassette tape with 4-panel J-card artwork.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.
In My Arms 04:03
2.
Ronnie 02:27
3.
Barren Idol 02:30
4.
Part Lemon 02:39
5.
Young Love 04:59
6.
7.
Lunch Date 03:54
8.
Wait Longer 02:41
9.
10.
Stay Close 04:19

about

On its fifth album, Baltimore’s Romantic States light a small yet inextinguishable fire. "Corduroy In Italy" captures the minimalist rock group’s undefeatable spirit. It is nothing new for a small duo like Romantic States to sound huge, as they often do. But it is rare to hear a twosome like this. Drummer Ilenia Madelaire and guitarist Jim Triplett (they both sing) have a considerate collaboration that does not hide the beauty of simplicity. There is a seamless responsiveness in their playing. This is music made with soulful intent, inspired by those who prefer one note over two.

Though the duo generally sticks to just guitar, drums, and vocals, the music feels more expansive than ever on "Corduroy In Italy." The cozy, warm songs of early releases like "Still Petals" and "A Shell Is Born" have evolved into room-filling pop anthems like the new record's "Barren Idol." No intimacy is lost despite the new enormity of sound. This duality is perfectly exhibited on the stark but moving "Part Lemon” and on closer “Stay Close.” Madelaire’s poetry is impactful. “Head in chains/ I tried I broke/ waves down/ ships drowned,” she sings on “Half Your Life.” Both lyricists paint vivid pictures of the stories and emotions shared. On “Stay Close,” Triplett reflects on loneliness in partnership: “When will I be alone/ any day you could be gone/ wondering what you're thinking/ torturing, my head's restrained.”

Thematically, "Corduroy In Italy" is about hope, regret, the importance and struggle of self-love, acceptance, confusion, holding on, letting go, loneliness, fear, the beauty of animals, human cruelty, and self-reflection. With their clear-headed use of space, melody, noise, and subtle humor, Romantic States is nourishing in a hungry world. "Corduroy In Italy" contains the darkest light, the heaviest levity, and the most cutting softness to enter your ears in any year.

Live:
4/7 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar w/ Current Joys, Reagan Cats
6/7 Washington, D.C. @ Comet Ping Pong w/ Yours Are The Only Ears, Julian

credits

released May 12, 2017

ilenia: drums, vocals
jim: guitar, vocals
recorded by Josh Frazier
mastered by Christopher Colbert

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Romantic States Baltimore, Maryland

minimalist rock band out of Baltimore.

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