What does it mean if
I’m like everybody else?
I have to save myself
Like everybody else
Los Angeles trio Nuovo Testamento — Chelsey Crowley, Giacomo Zatti, and Andrea Mantione — continue to prove themselves forerunners in the modern alt-pop scene, crafting stylish dancefloor grooves with their upcoming Trouble EP, due July 25th via their own Discoteca Italia imprint. Building upon their enthralling fusion of dark Italo-disco and emotive synth-pop, complemented by spirited freestyle elements, the band has gracefully evolved, seamlessly weaving in sleek dance-pop nuances from the early 90s, all while preserving an elegantly retro sound.
Their latest single, “Dream On,” bursts forth with bouncy rhythms and a sparkling chorus, nodding affectionately to the glossy dance-pop charm of Madonna’s iconic 80s and 2000s output, as well as the energetic dancefloor appeal of early-90s classics from artists like Dee-Lite, The Real McCoy, and Culture Beat, and Latin Freestyle artist Safire.
Crowley’s luminous vocals effortlessly weave through the track’s lush synth layers, fluidly navigating the delicate terrain between pop optimism and nuanced emotional vulnerability. Beyond its polished sheen, “Dream On” addresses profound personal themes and profound ruminations: self-doubt, shifting identities, and the elusive search for belonging amidst life’s relentless transitions. The song reflects on the ephemeral nature of life and identity, as well as the ongoing challenge of maintaining authenticity within societal constraints. Through Crowley’s delivery, these internal battles and fleeting dreams find expression, illuminating an enduring resilience.
“Dream On is about impermanence and seeking belonging,” says the band. “It’s about fading in the light and being told to become a simpler version of yourself, even after you thought you had found your place in the world. Dream On speaks to the constance of change, the falsehood of security and the reality of having to start over, again and again.”
Set in a stylish, warmly lit loft with exposed brick walls, large windows showcasing city views, and lush houseplants scattered throughout, Nuovo Testamento’s video for “Dream On” creates an inviting and slightly whimsical atmosphere. The Los Angeles-based trio, including two members originally from Italy, comfortably inhabits a charming space filled with eclectic vintage furniture and thoughtfully quirky decor. Throughout the video, playful and relaxed moments between the song’s performance brighten the atmosphere. Chelsey Crowley casually flips through a book while comfortably nestled on a plush, vintage-style sofa, as her bandmates bounce a football back and forth, effortlessly displaying their easygoing camaraderie. Yet on a coffee table, there is a carefully constructed house of cards and a towering game of Jenga.
As daylight gently shifts into a moody glow, accented with dreamy shades of purple and blue, the changing lighting adds a cozy yet dynamic touch to the loft’s intimate setting as Nuovo Testamento lights up the night with a Yamaha DX7, electronic drum pads, and Chelsey’s effervescent pop vocals.
Watch the video for “Dream On” below:
Nuovo Testamento’s 2021 full-length debut album, New Earth, definitively showcased their flair for brooding synth-pop brilliance, swiftly elevating them as standouts in the alternative music landscape. Bursting with shimmering vintage club textures, magnetic synth grooves, and polished pop sophistication, New Earth drew acclaim across musical divides and laid the foundation for their continued ascent.
The band’s momentum surged forward with the self-released follow-up, Love Lines, in 2023. Extensive tours alongside Molchat Doma and The Soft Moon quickly confirmed the trio as one of the scene’s most exciting live acts. Their burgeoning popularity also propelled them into the remix arena—contemporaries like Drab Majesty, Curses, and Scowl have re-tooled Nuovo’s songs, while the band has been sought after to remix fellow artists’ material. Guided by producer Maurizio Baggio (Boy Harsher, The Soft Moon) and driven by bright, infectious hooks, Nuovo Testamento have sharpened a crisp, forward-looking sound uniquely their own. Now, with the imminent release of Trouble, they’re poised for yet another bold leap in their sonic evolution.
You can listen to Dream On below and order the Trouble EP here.
Fans of Nuovo Testamento can dance along to their vibrant singles and more when the band performs live in Los Angeles, New York, and Tucson this summer, before joining Sextile on tour in September. See full dates listed below.
Tour Dates:
- July 12th & 13th – Los Angeles, CA – Sound & Fury
- July 31st – Brooklyn, NY – Good Room
- August 9th – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
- September 11th – San Francisco, CA – August Hall (w/ Sextile)
- September 13th – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom (w/ Sextile)
- September 14th – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile (w/ Sextile)
Follow Nuovo Testamento:
Or via: