Itchy & The Nits

***Itchy & The Nits could very well hold the distinction of being the world’s most charming band. They possess a friendship that one could only imagine exists in teen sitcoms of the 60’s and 70’s and Saturday morning cartoons. The world could collapse tomorrow (seems probable) and with the rest of us hysterically running around, hands to the heavens, The Nits would be gathered in some cave banging on rocks, strumming rubber bands and putting each other in stitches. They are the real deal 21st century Monkees.

“Welcome to The Itchy & the Nits show / Dance like you’re at the disco” sings the chorus to the Nits’ second Theme Song, which opens their sophomore album. Greetings From... contains odes to Smelly Boys, swimming at the Nudie Beach, and watching television on a beautiful day; more songs about relationships and less songs about getting crabs. 'Cartoon' is littered with classic sound effects swiped from the songs source material, which feels perfectly at home amongst this setting. Even at their most introspective, on song such as 'Waiting Around' and 'Gimmie a Break', the sounds are more suited for the beach than the funeral parlour, and simplicity is still the order of the day. We don’t hear a guitar solo till album closer 'City Line', most of the songs are two to three chords, and the choruses are generally a group chant sure to stick in your skull and crack you up.

Itchy & The Nits have spent the last two year’s honing their craft while touring across the US, EU and Japan. They know how to boogie, make you laugh, and write a catchy melody. David Forcier’s outstanding production really allows those melodies to shine while still capturing the bands’ primal allure!