Streaming today via Allston Pudding is an EP called American Sounds, which in this case means electronic pop music made by Downtown Boys guitarist and composer Joey DeFrancesco under the solo moniker and quasi-drag persona, La Neve. Also a producer in dance duo Malportado Kids, DeFrancesco’s latest project serves as the first official project where he provides primary vocals and production. But American Sounds doesn’t stray too much from the focus of what a lot of the Providence punx Downtown Boys cover— “destroying the right wing power structure that has always run the USA and has come to pose a more intense threat then ever in 2017,” according to La Neve’s bandcamp.
The 5-song EP is campy, for sure, but its swirling, bedroom electro-pop sound is catchy, and its content relevant. DeFrancesco, who says he identifies somewhere along the genderqueer/genderfluid spectrum, delivers lines in a droney, off-kilter fashion, lingering on certain words, exuding confidence and cool. And every track on this EP has a purpose or makes a statement. The single itself is a declaration of LGBTQ existence in a world that doesn’t want to hear it.
When asked what listeners should take from the EP, DeFrancesco said, “There are so many places we need to be fighting right now and it can be hard to choose where to put our energy. I hope these songs can serve as one more small piece of resistance reminding us to keep taking up space, to keep stepping forward, and to never, ever hide.” Just by existing, La Neve is making revolutionary strides.
Listen to American Sounds (out today via Don Giovanni Records) below and see these songs live at La Neve’s next performance in Boston, on March 2nd at O’Brien’s. Their live sets are something of a drag show, punk show, and multimedia experience all mixed into one, says the artist. So, you know, not the gig to miss.
See other release show dates below:
2/24: Philadelphia, PA @ Glitter Galaxy
2/26: Brooklyn, NY @ Silent Barn
3/2 Boston, MA @ O’ Briens
3/4 Willimantic, CT @ Willimantic Records (2pm afternoon show)
3/5 Providence, RI @ Aurora