the single is dead. long live the single.

the influx of noise in 3 minute packages is breathtaking, but amongst em are a few golden nuggets. so here's a little word'up to give you all a head start on a couple that made my ears prick up

- performance - surrender - (out at the end of november on limited 7") electro rock that fizzes and bubbles in a wonderfully addictive little way. no idea if the band can mutate beyond the obvious 'sell by end of 2005' date, but for the next few weeks this track will be totally loved. reading the details closely, a certain 'cliff jones' seems to be involved. the one and same as that gay dad bloke. time will tell. love their website. but then i would wouldn't i. not a flash-y byte anywhere.

- envy and other sins - prodigal son. this lot contacted me ages ago re a demo review they were hoping for, never got the demo, instead the next time i hear back they are signed to loog (home of the open, but dont hold that against them). from the bands visual image i dropped the phrase 'world of twist' into my response. well never judge a book etc. this is full on prog pop with totally over the top instrumentation and all manner of excellence as well as a totally radio friendly hook - the barking mad full length 5 minute version is the one to kill for. look for the limited 10" debut.

- the new shapes - waiting for a god/new queen - another ltd edition 7" out on the excellently named pop records label. the a-side has a melody that has nagged me for ages since i first spun this, it will come to me and then i'll deny all such associations, in the meantime this is a clean refreshing upbeat indie track (no heroin induced misery here !), where the crisp styled open production (by liam watson @ toerag nonetheless!) makes all the instruments jump out and make you listen and propel you to new regions of enjoyment. i have totally fallen for this track. of course, i know that the lp will never reach such heights as this ever again, but hey, i would love to have to eat my words. flip the record for a more urgent but not as catchy extra. can i listen to the a-side again please. thanks.

that's enough limited edition pleasure for now - so get off to ebay/hmv/virgin/indie emporioum tomorrow and make sure you are ready for these.

mark e

ireallylovemusic