Wow. I finally gave Chico Fellini’s new self-titled record a listen and was just about bowled over. I expected, at best, mediocrity from the Lexington band that I’d somehow never seen, but was served up the best album to come out of Kentucky so far this year.

MP3: Chico Fellini – Can’t Deny
MP3: Chico Fellini – Hot
For the longest time I had an idea of what Chico Fellini probably sounded like (based entirely on their name). Turns out that they’re pretty far from that baseless idea, which shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Their new self-titled album is pretty wild and should appease fans of Franz Ferdinand’s newest. “Can’t Deny” starts out like a slinky, mysterious Starlight Mints song, complete with strings, but switches over halfway into a glam rocker that pulls the best elements of the Darkness and Franz Ferdinand. “Hot” keeps the sexy and glam alive by going easy on the extravagances. It’s mostly vocals, drums and occasionally a thin but powerful guitar/bass line.

They’re playing at Record Store Day at CD Central this Saturday, so come out and enjoy a free show!

Chico Fellini on Myspace

Chico Fellini performing “Can’t Deny” at the Dame