Retro, it seems has never gone out of fashion, so why this underground duo are calling it a day now is quite a mystery, as their neat line in vintage 80s pop seems to have ‘Hit Parade’ written all over it.
But having downsized from a guitar quartet to a electronic duo, this swansong concept album is packed with knowing references to childhood fads like Teletext and ZX81s, plus sharp observations, like the “automatic breadbin – when the internet’s down I can’t put any bread in.”
More importantly, the tunes are infuriatingly catchy, all one-fingered classics in the vein of Depeche Mode or Gary Numan. As they sing on ‘Built Obsolescence’: “Turn down the guitars, put the synths up to 11” – and set the controls for 1999.
(This review originally appeared in the Milngavie Herald)