Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Purchasable with gift card
Download available in 24-bit/96kHz.
$8USD or more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
TWO Romantic States album in one package. The classic 'Corduroy In Italy'—12" black vinyl with full color eurosleeve—and the brand-new future classic 'Ballerina'—12" black vinyl with 2-sided insert. Save five BIG ONES* when purchased together! *USD
Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Download available in 24-bit/96kHz.
ships out within 7 days
edition of 50
Purchasable with gift card
$22USDor more
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Beautiful black vinyl, package includes full color eurosleeve and digital download. 12" LP.
Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Download available in 24-bit/96kHz.
ships out within 7 days
Purchasable with gift card
$10USDor more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album
CD with jewel case packaging. Shrinkwrapped. Compact Disc!
Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
Download available in 24-bit/96kHz.
ships out within 7 days
edition of 100
Purchasable with gift card
$5.55USDor more
Limited Edition Cassette
Cassette + Digital Album
Black cassette tape with 4-panel J-card artwork.
Includes unlimited streaming of Corduroy In Italy
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
On its fifth album, Baltimore’s Romantic States light a small yet inextinguishable fire. "Corduroy In Italy" captures the minimalist rock group’s undefeatable spirit. It is nothing new for a small duo like Romantic States to sound huge, as they often do. But it is rare to hear a twosome like this. Drummer Ilenia Madelaire and guitarist Jim Triplett (they both sing) have a considerate collaboration that does not hide the beauty of simplicity. There is a seamless responsiveness in their playing. This is music made with soulful intent, inspired by those who prefer one note over two.
Though the duo generally sticks to just guitar, drums, and vocals, the music feels more expansive than ever on "Corduroy In Italy." The cozy, warm songs of early releases like "Still Petals" and "A Shell Is Born" have evolved into room-filling pop anthems like the new record's "Barren Idol." No intimacy is lost despite the new enormity of sound. This duality is perfectly exhibited on the stark but moving "Part Lemon” and on closer “Stay Close.” Madelaire’s poetry is impactful. “Head in chains/ I tried I broke/ waves down/ ships drowned,” she sings on “Half Your Life.” Both lyricists paint vivid pictures of the stories and emotions shared. On “Stay Close,” Triplett reflects on loneliness in partnership: “When will I be alone/ any day you could be gone/ wondering what you're thinking/ torturing, my head's restrained.”
Thematically, "Corduroy In Italy" is about hope, regret, the importance and struggle of self-love, acceptance, confusion, holding on, letting go, loneliness, fear, the beauty of animals, human cruelty, and self-reflection. With their clear-headed use of space, melody, noise, and subtle humor, Romantic States is nourishing in a hungry world. "Corduroy In Italy" contains the darkest light, the heaviest levity, and the most cutting softness to enter your ears in any year.
Live:
4/7 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar w/ Current Joys, Reagan Cats
6/7 Washington, D.C. @ Comet Ping Pong w/ Yours Are The Only Ears, Julian
credits
released May 12, 2017
ilenia: drums, vocals
jim: guitar, vocals
recorded by Josh Frazier
mastered by Christopher Colbert
Cassie Ramone (Vivian Girls, The Babies) returns with a self-released solo record full of her trademark melancholy vocals & wobbly guitars. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 14, 2024