The Norwegian Mariachi, Robert Vendetta, carries an air of retro driven braggadocio and swagger that sets him apart. Any album that basks in a self aware narcissism and suave with a title like ‘All By His Handsome Self’ necessitates a level of energy and self-assured confidence that Vendetta more than provides. He describes his music as ‘retropop‘, a combination of modern ideals and sensibilities with the style and suaveness of old. Within juts the first couple of tracks on his latest album, you can immediately recognise that Vendetta is a performer — the kind who thrives off the energy of the crowd and their reciprocity towards his own. Each song on ‘All By His Handsome Self’ are meant to be envisioned as live performances, for the stage and for the crowd.
The titular track sets the mood straight with a verve and passion endemic to Vendetta. That retro energy comes out with such stylistic vigour and seamless blending of new soundscapes. He’s got a bit of Sinatra, but a bit of Timberlake as well. And then on Colombian Spice, there’s that Mick Jagger sounding high pitched screams paired with what I can only imagine are a host of exciting and outlandish stage movements. With a bit of latin pop energy injected in it as well, Vendetta’s passion for pop music that’s fun above all else comes out strongly.
And on more mellow tunes like ‘Date Me’ he showcases with ease his ability to convey a more melancholic and sullen energy. Robert Vendetta’s music has been played on the radio on four different continents. He’s also made himself known on TV in both Norway and México. Coming from an acting background, he’s well suited for the stage and grandeur of performance. A modern day Sinatra? You be the judge.