by admin | February 2nd, 2010
…New Zealanders The Brunettes have long delivered their affinity for classic pop melodies with a distinct retro flavor. On their newest disc, Paper Dolls [out on Lil’ Chief Records], however, Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield modernize their insatiable pop stylings, injecting traces of Krautrock and new wave into the foreground. While the charming sonics that define The Brunettes remain intact, their application of drum machines into their sonic palette takes the band well beyond 60s bubblegum enthusiasts. From the kickoff, it sounds as if The Brunettes had spent some time listening in to fellow New Zealanders, Architecture In Helsinki, as the track “Red Rollerskates” fuses a giddy synth melody against a deadpan vocal on the verse, giving way to a bubbly chorus. Throughout Paper Dolls, the band’s ability to redress their instinctual melodicism in stark, minimalist drum machines strip the core songs down to their most basic elements, somehow turning sugary sweet hooks into outright ear candy. Have a listen…
MP3: The Brunettes “Red Rollerskates”
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