Los Bitchos’ latest album, Talkie Talkie, triumphs. The London-based quartet, composed of Serra Petale (of Australian-Turkish heritage), Agustina Ruiz (of Uruguayan heritage), Josefine Jonsson (of Swedish descent), and Nic Crawshaw (of British descent), infuse their diverse backgrounds into a genre-defying album that invites listeners to escape reality. Here, listeners immerse themselves in a truly unique musical world defined by women.
The album is named for a fictional late-night nightclub – a symbolic space emphasizing collective happiness and fun. Talkie Talkie begins with “Hi!“, encapsulating the band’s infectious energy. Opening with an enthusiastic group chant of “Hi”, Los Bitchos build collective energy from the start. From here, Los Bitchos invite listeners to enter their euphoric world, where anything feels possible. At the end of “Hi!”, Petale’s assertively declares, “Suck on that one, bitch!” engendering the bold spirit defining the record. Later, “Don’t Change” revisits their subversive spirit, blending a laid-back vibe with an undercurrent of urgency, as if urging listeners to centralize their agency. In doing so, Los Bitchos remind us that we can have fun while being unapologetically assertive.
“Talkie Talkie, Charlie Charlie” transports listeners to the 1980s. The track’s retro soundscape is a masterful blend of analog and digital techniques that capture the magic of 1980s synthpop—a major influence for Los Bitchos. The balance between nostalgic and contemporary is evident throughout the album, particularly in songs like “1K”. This song revels in mystical guitar tones and guacharaca rhythms reminiscent of cumbia, a genre reflecting Ruiz’s heritage. “Naughty Little Clove” serves as another example. It embraces analog synths and polished arrangements that set a retro glamour against bold guitar riffs, pushing the sound into modernity. While lesser artists drawing from the 1980s render kitschiness, Los Bitchos avoid doing so by using retro elements in a way that feels global.
Evan as an instrumental album, Talkie Talkie commits to storytelling. Los Bitchos emphasize mood, rhythm, and melody throughout, letting the instruments tell a story that remains open to interpretation. “It’s About Time” draws a subtle connection to “Tango & Twirl” through its narrative approach and emotional undertones. While “Tango & Twirl” creates a moment of introspection with its slow, seductive rhythms, “It’s About Time” takes the listener on a more urgent, dynamic journey. Unequivocally, these are the social and emotional peaks and valleys associated with the experiences of being at a nightclub.
Talkie Talkie builds a cohesive, immersive experience, where each song represents a segment of a larger narrative. Through this experience, Los Bitchos challenge the conventions of rock through sound and representation.