Genre/Influences: Rock-Pop, Wave-Pop, Indie.

Format: Digital, CD.

Background/Info: “Something Stranger” is the debut EP by Italian solo-project Bear Of Bombay. The project is driven by Lorenzo Parisini who has previously been involved with other bands.

Content: “Something Stranger” features 5 different songs revealing multiple influences, which can be mainly reduced to a mix of Rock, Pop and New-Wave. The songs have been composed with guitar and Electronics, creating a perfect balance. The music sounds sweet, sometimes filled with reverie and driven by slow rhythms. The last track, which is the title song, is somewhat harder, but it all remains delicate and pretty Pop-like.

+ + + : I like an EP featuring 5 different songs, which is a better way to get an idea about a band’s potential. I also like the diversity between the different songs although having a preference for the totally dreamy-like “Lazy Day”. The song is somewhat more Electro-like, but there’s a cool progression in the song structure with some space effects as apotheosis. The songs are well-crafted and Bear Of Bombay reveals a mature production in sound and in the vocals.

– – – : I can’t say there’s a major minus point, but I’m just afraid there are numerous bands dealing with a similar music style. So in the end I can’t say there’s an absolute potential hit featured.

Conclusion: This work is a nice and sweet debut revealing an open-minded Electro/Pop/Wave style.

Best songs: “Lazy Day”, “Follow You”

Rate: (7).

Artist: www.facebook.com/zivagoband  

About Bear Of Bombay

Bear Of Bombay is the solo project of Milanese multi-instrumentalist Lorenzo Parisini, formerly a member of the band Zivago. The project mixes electronica and dreampop with new wave and psychedelic touches, drawing on krautrock, synthpop and post-punk. “Something Stranger” (2021) was his debut EP; he later released the full-length “PsychoDreamElectroGaze” (September 2024).

Inferno Sound Diaries

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

www.side-line.com