HRTBRKR - Positive Music For Negative People (2023) Hi-Res

HRTBRKR is a Trento-based garage rock outfit with shoegaze, surf rock and post-punk influences in the mix. Initially a solo project by singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Simone Valentini (vocals, guitars, drum machine, piano, synth and other instruments), but Luca (bass) and Ardo (drums) have now also joined. The jangly guitar-driven music on their Positive Music For Negative People LP is energetic, alternately dark and uplifting, but the lyrics are quite sad and disturbing (from When I’m Blue: “I look out the window // I wish I had never been here // I look out the window // And I start crying”). Never before has barking sounded so hopeful though (from Angry Dog: “If tonight I’ll die // My dog will be hungry // I don’t want this at all // He’ll hate me”), and fortunately there are more catchy tunes. Is this the Italian alternative to The Strokes?