The average temperature in Italy can swell to 80-plus (Fahrenheit) during the summer, producing a sweltering heat that puts New York’s warm season to shame. One can imagine these dry months played into the creation of “Fratello Gemma” by New York-based, Italian born musician Nico LaOnda — the track’s accompanying visuals feature a sweaty tennis match, but the music itself is a lurid, downtempo new wave bop, one that immediately evokes feelings of a hot August afternoon, spent (ideally) in the shade sipping Campari. LaOnda’s vocal performance and Italian lyricism lend to the track’s sweet electronic components in creating a forlorn energy, a recollection of summers past. Watch the video below ahead of LaOnda’s performance on February 12th at Our Wicked Lady.
