Afterhours

Italian rock fans are among the most insanely passionate. More than a few touring acts can testify to some crazy show they did in Milan or Bologna that erupted in a riot. It’s almost expected. But Italy’s rock bands rarely get to experience American audiences, creating a severe trade imbalance. Truth is, though, it’s hard to think of any major Italian rock bands. There’s Lacuna Coil and…shamefully, um, we’re scratching our head here.

At last, the rock deficit is being addressed by Afterhours, a brawny, emotive outfit that’s been gigging since 1990 and makes a belated U.S. debut this month. The group won the loyalty of Greg Dulli, the former Afghan Whigs frontman, who produced its latest disc, Ballads for Little Hyenas, and obviously heard something he liked in Manuel Agnelli’s powerhouse vocals. The pair first hooked up in 2004, when Dulli’s Twilight Singers split an Italian tour bill with Agnelli, who subsequently played on the last two Twilights albums. If Ballads is a good indication, then Afterhours could as easily hail from Seattle: “White Widow” plays melodic hooks off of untamed guitar squelch in classic grunge style; “The Thin White Line” slow burns through an epic five minutes, with a subtle, simple piano-and-strings arrangement setting the stage for an arena-rock guitar-gasm.

Afterhours’ sound can seem derivative of the Soundgarden set (the group also has worked with the Screaming Trees’ Mark Lanegan), but Agnelli’s voice gives the band a clear identity. And when he pulls a gem like “Sparkle” out of his pocket, with its gentle confessional lilt, it’s time to reach for your Bic disposable lighter and bend your thumb to greatness. Bicycle, Tricycle headlines.—Steve Dollar