Minneapolis three-piece Strange Names capture the vivacious innocence and the flamboyant spirit of the early electronic new wave years. Not that their sounds are simplistic in any way (they’re not) — it’s just that they seem to want to create something danceable, exuberant and lasting.
Signed to New York label Frenchkiss, the band are about to release their album ‘Use Your Time Wisely’ [Produced and Mixed by Andrew Maury — Penguin Prison, RAC, Ra Ra Riot and Mastered by Joe LaPorta — Vampire Weekend, Parquet Courts, Beach House.]
It’s out on the 19th of May.
We had a listen:
‘Return’ has a swirling synth that gathers around the basic rhythm.
This acts like goo, so that the russet-amber vocals get stuck into it. Creating chiming patterns as they try to flutter away.
Jangles of guitar string help to animate things and the absent-minded bass-line pogos burpaliciously ever onwards.
That wicked, slack-handed, greasy-thumbed bass is back again on ‘Ricochet’ and helps to remind us that funk is back….
But this is far more Tears for Fears than Sly and the Family Stone.
It sounds like a cliche but let’s say it anyway… This is gonna go great on the dance-floor.
‘I Can’t Control Myself’ has (of course) some rebounding guitars to start with.
This song is so eurobeat and dance-poppy that we were immediately reminded of SAW. And Peter Andre? Anyone? Anyone?
‘Only Boy’ is Blur-like with attractive percussion and those pleading “Please Sir …” golden hues.
This has more power and imagination than previous tracks. But it is still blithe and friendly. The last part is particularly effective, and exercises your gray matter before playing havoc with your motor neurons.
‘Trespassing’ has that clomping slog of a rhythm that immediately takes you… And it will not let go. No matter how you beg.
The slightly off-masculine voice is transmitted from the core of this vitality. And there is also the suggestion of silvery steelpan here — bringing with it memories of ‘Colour by Numbers’.
Seductive songs, vibrant melodies, vital rhythms, wonderful harmonies and copious marvellous moments… It is hard to count them all.
8/10 [The nostalgia-worm gobbles up a few marks, but otherwise this is indie pop-perfection.]
Words: @neilmach 2015 ©
Link: https://www.facebook.com/strangenamesmusic/
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