Atari
Sexy Games For Happy Families

In Italy, it's difficult to create "something original." I might be unpopular now, but in a music scene like the Italian one, creating something novel equates to a suicide, given the well-known Italian mindset not inclined toward "original" things that defy every definition. More often than not, the average Italian listener sticks to their favored genre, considering everything outside their musical background as insignificant. I believe this is one of the main reasons why in music charts we always see the usual names or sounds, giving very little space to different sonorities. Why this introduction? Because I'm about to talk about an Italian band that makes its original sound its battle cry, and precisely for this reason, they're unknown to many.

Atari are a Neapolitan duo, who from the names of their two members reveal a lot about their style. They call themselves "Player 1" and "Player 2." Retrogaming and video games, especially from the 80s, are practically a constant in their music. "Sexy Games For Happy Families," their first album released in January 2008 (after two demos, "8 bit love" and "People Said") has generated much buzz in certain musical circles, elevating Atari to the status of one of the most innovative bands in recent years.

Right from the cover, you can see the meaning of the album, which is to bring the classic 8-bit sounds of consoles like the Atari 2600 into music, and write lyrics over them. The tracks flow quickly, and the sound is simple but not trivial: take good electropop, blend it with synth-rock, add a touch of electronics and a clear nod and inspiration from Daft Punk, and you'll get their sound, unique and never dull. The lyrics have sex as a common theme, but never in a heavy way; rather, they're carefree and fun (just think of "Blow-in-cart generation," which talks about sexual practices done with ink and printer cartridges!). Their sound is truly unique; you'll either love it instantly or hate it right away, but for those who grew up with games and consoles, it will be a pleasant trip down memory lane. 

The album is really well produced, as is the sound, which is very clean. The album can be purchased from their Myspace or during their extensive live activities that take them all around Italy.

In short, a highly recommended album.