If I were to say the words bar italia, you'd most likely think that I'm referring to the popular restaurant chain. However, despite sharing their name with said restaurant, it is needless to say that bar italia have well and truly made a name for themselves amongst the UK's music scene. The London-based trio formed in 2019, and instantly made their presence known through the release of their debut album Quarrel the following year. Whilst their fans watched and waited, the trinity managed to release three consecutive albums that proved to be smash hits, subsequently skyrocketing them into mainstream fame.
bar italia's tour to promote their latest album Some Like It Hot made a pit-stop at University of Manchester's very own Academy 2, and it's no exaggeration to say they rocked the Student Union so hard it shook.
There is one thing anybody at that gig can say: bar italia really do know how to make an entrance. The crowd flocked to the stage once the venue grew darker, and the stage had been dimly lit with a washed blue.
Then came drawling basslines and a battling guitar — the band had covered the popular eighties song 'Tainted Love' by Soft Cell, and had been playing it over the speakers. Not only did this cover showcase the band's versatility, which they'd already proven through their melody of different albums, but also made the audience members bop their heads along in recognition of this funky classic. As the trio settled themselves onstage, they blended the cover still blaring over the speakers into their opening song.
Credit: Tarimobowei Tobolayefa @ The Mancunion
'worlds greatest emoter' was a brilliant way to open the gig. It may not be the band's biggest hit, but it did see chromatic guitar riffs rippling throughout the venue whilst lead singer Nina Cristante showed off her distinct lyricism and vocal skill. Although scathing lyrics like "if I say I love you for who you are, I'm lying" could appear a little harsh for an opening song, the audience appreciated bar italia's ability to open a show with their blunt and apologetic swagger.
The three then began to delve into some of their bigger hits, including 'Fundraiser'. The song's cheeky guitar runs and defiant style are reminiscent of multitudes of bands before them: guitarist and vocalist Sam Fenton's vocal style sounds as if he had been plucked out of an early 2000s boyband, a lovechild of The Strokes and The Raconteurs.
bar italia's bends in genre simply don't have a limit, and 'Horsey Girl Rider' demonstrates that with great success. Unlike the rest of their boisterous setlist, 'Horsey Girl Rider' takes a step back from the bustling musical style bar italia typically show, and instead uses more melancholy riffs and Cristante's melismatic vocals to distinguish the track from the rest of the setlist. Overall, 'Horsey Girl Rider' proved itself to be an ideal respite from the fun and excitement in the rest of bar italia's tracks.
Credit: Tarimobowei Tobolayefa @ The Mancunion
Some of the groups' biggest hits were saved for their encore, causing a comical struggle for those attempting to leave the venue to try to turn back around in order to hear some of the fan favourites. When it seemed as if the trio couldn't possibly have any energy left, their title track 'Some Like It Hot' started blazing through the guitar section. 'Some Like It Hot' as a track ignites a conflicted feeling, discussing regrets and nostalgia over a catchy indie-sleaze style tune.
When that was established as a success amongst the crowd, the band decided to double down with their final tracks — and one of their most popular songs — 'Cowbella', using their reverbed guitars and shared vocals to say a proper goodbye to Academy 2.
Although bar italia was sharing Manchester with trailblazing band Geese that same night, it is needless to say that they held their own against 2026's indie giants on their respective stages. With their nostalgic musicality and candid lyricism, bar italia certainly know how to charge a stage with insatiable excitement. If they grace us with their presence again sometime soon, be sure to nab a ticket to bar italia as soon as you can.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2CVovXC4S92eRgjtZazNEU?si=u2efcDJuSvCDoOHxCPVEJQ
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