Los Bitchos provide a welcoming dance party on Talkie Talkie

It’s a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2022 debut, Let the Festivities Begin! that showcases the band refining and expanding their distinctive sound while retaining the dramatic energy that drew listeners in the first place. With Talkie Talkie Los Bitchos continue to carve out their instrumental musical landscape while evolving in both musicianship and sonic complexity.

“Hi!” is a superlative example of the group dynamic we’re greeted with a unified shout of “Hi”, it’s a hugely self-aware opener and the salubrious bassline and jangly riffs draw you in immediately. We’re given a knowing kiss-off by Serra Petale as the track ends with a sardonic “Suck on that one, bitch” as the track ends. It’s a great setup for feeling part of the gang. Attending a party you’ll remember forever. “Talkie Talkie, Charlie Charlie” has a glistening 80s synthpop sheen, grimier guitars at times, and one hell of a groove. The buoyant rhythms and punchy guitar work of “Don’t Change”, are an irresistible blend of cumbia rhythms and surf rock energy, with a driving energy that propels the album forward.

As if trapped in the whirlwind happening around the listener it’s easy to simply feel the vibrancy and mood and not notice too much how one track becomes another, when “Kiki, You Complete Me” segues into “Road” then “1k!” you can be forgiven for feeling slightly blurred around the edges as the intensity dives everywhere and it takes a moment to gather yourself again, However, when the 80’s Turkish psyche-infused thrill of hearing “La Bomba” comes you know we’re at ground zero. It is by far the standout moment on the entire album. Its maximalist offering of pure joy is both an immersion in passionate musical culture and a ready-made, instant crowd-pleaser. It has a swagger that is head and shoulders above the other tunes and boldly showcases it’s melodious riffs and solid rhythms. They add synths and arpeggiators along with programmed drums to an already massive sound turning everything up to eleven.

“Talkie Talkie” struts. It’s an assured production that knows its worth and parades with bags of self-confidence. Lead guitarist Serra Petale draws from her Turkish and Australian heritage. Her playing is particularly noteworthy, with intricate riffs and melodic lines weaving through each track with precision and flair. Her work is a masterclass in how to create memorable, hook-laden guitar lines without overshadowing the other instruments. The rhythm section, comprising Swedish bassist Josefine Jonsson and British drummer Nic Crawshaw, provides a solid foundation, driving the songs forward with tight, syncopated grooves. Meanwhile, Uruguayan synth and keytar player Agustina Ruiz adds layers of texture and melody, enhancing the overall sound with her playful and occasionally haunting synth lines.

The band's willingness to experiment with their sound without straying too far from what made them special in the first place. There’s a noticeable growth in the arrangements, “It’s About Time” and “Open the Bunny, Wasting My Time” both extend the tendrils of psyche and synth pushing the boundaries of the band’s sound, adding elements of psychedelia and electronic music to their already eclectic mix. Yet, despite this experimentation, the album remains cohesive, tied together by the band’s distinctive sound and infectious energy.

Talkie Talkie is a triumphant follow-up to their debut. It sparkles intensely has tonnes of shiny charisma and sustains its shape while trying new things in the second half. This late-night hangout sounds exciting and rowdy as they hit the dancefloor with all of their technicolor might. It may be a fever dream but the maelstrom demands repeated listens and the nuanced layers you might have missed continue to reveal themselves over time.