Album Review: "La Vella" by City On Film – A Rock Gem from 2014
Released in 2014 under the Topshelf Records label, La Vella by City On Film is a rock album that feels like an intimate conversation with its listener. Hailing from the US, this record blends raw emotion, intricate instrumentation, and thoughtful production to create something both familiar and refreshingly unique. With Bob Nanna at the helm as producer and vocalist, alongside key contributors like Jeff Dean (recording, mixing) and Jon Drew (mastering), the album carries a cohesive sound while leaving room for individual moments to shine.
The artwork by Ross Zietz perfectly mirrors the vibe of the music—gritty yet polished, simple but layered. It’s hard not to notice how every element, from Kyle Geib’s guitar work on “You Wild Thing (An Illuminous Life)” to Dustin Henry Currier’s trumpet cameo on “Noise Machines,” adds texture to the overall experience. Even Joe Mizzi’s violin on “Andorra La Vella” sneaks up on you, adding unexpected depth to what might otherwise feel like just another indie-rock release.
Now let me tell ya—two tracks stood out so much they’re practically burnt into my brain. First off, there’s “Remember To Breathe.” This one hits different because it doesn’t try too hard. The lyrics are straightforward enough ("Remember to breathe / Remember to live"), but when paired with Nanna’s raspy vocals and the steady build-up of guitars, it becomes a kind of mantra. You don’t just hear it—you feel it. It’s the type of song that makes you pause whatever you’re doing and just… exist for a moment.
Then there’s “Easy Living Rooms,” which throws you for a loop halfway through. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out—a chill rhythm, mellow vibes—it switches gears entirely. Suddenly, the drums kick in harder, and the whole thing transforms into this chaotic, beautiful mess. It’s messy in the best way possible, kinda like life itself. By the end, you’re left wondering if you even knew what easy living really meant in the first place.
What strikes me most about La Vella is how personal it feels without being overly indulgent. Sure, some parts could use a bit more polish, and yeah, maybe the pacing drags slightly on a couple tracks. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. It’s not trying to be perfect—it’s trying to connect. And connection is exactly what it achieves.
In a world full of overproduced albums designed to grab attention for five seconds before fading away, La Vella reminds us why we love music in the first place. It tells stories, creates spaces, and lets you sit with your thoughts for a while. Oh, and here’s the kicker—it somehow manages to make you nostalgic for places you’ve never been, like Andorra La Vella. Go figure.
