All The Way From Rome, Giuda Kicks Off American Tour In Chicago

By Casey Moffitt in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 22, 2013 7:00PM

You know that dumb car commercial where colonial Americans are shocked and surprised to see "the Italians are coming!" Well, something similar, albeit a hell of a lot cooler, is happening at Liar's Club tomorrow, August 23, as self-proclaimed glam/punk rockers Giuda invade Chicago.

Hailing from Rome, Giuda (JOO-dah) kicks off its American tour in our fair city, bringing its frenetic blend of three chord, '70s hooks with a relentless rhythm. Giuda clearly harkens back to a time when arena rock riffs where the rage, but backed by a violent beat reminiscent of proto-punk anxiety. The guitar licks evoke the sounds of bands like T-Rex, Slade or Sweet—and maybe a hint of Gary Glitter. But the pounding of the drums and electric bass guitar add an element of urgency to the songs. It's a more macho form of glam than we're used to hearing. If AC/DC had taken a turn for the glam instead of becoming the world's greatest bar band, it would probably sound a lot like Giuda.

Looking at Giuda, you certainly wouldn't think of a traditional glam band. Clad in denim and T-shirts with short-cropped hair, they look like a beer bar band, adding to the mix of oddity that is Giuda. The band's debut album, Racey Roller, is 10 tracks of rollicking rock'n'roll, complete with hand claps, gang vocals, tambourines and egg shakers. The lyrics aren't going to blow your mind, but Giuda likes to sing about good times, partying and rocking. The album's opener "Number 10" uses a soccer metaphor describe a woman's beauty, but since they're Italian we'll give them a pass on the whole soccer thing. Don't worry. Giuda sings it's songs in English. This is rock'n'roll after all and not opera.

All said, Racey Roller It's a solid album that hits all the right notes for those who appreciate the glam era ex post facto, as many of us in the U.S.A. do. If Giuda can give a performance anything close to the album, then it should be a fun, butt-shaking good time.

The bill is rounded out by The Gestalts, an Oi band from Lafayette, Ind., which is kind of weird. The '90s were not kind to Oi bands, and they were believed to be an extinct species. Chicago's The Jetbirds will kick things off Friday night.

Advance tickets to this show are not available, so get to Liar's Club early to get in the door as it's got a small capacity.