Screen Vinyl Image - Strange Behavior

Photo: Phil Maier

Synth/guitar duo, Screen Vinyl Image (SVI), return with Strange Behavior; their first full-length album since 2009's firebrand debut, Interceptors.

Layered throughout with intelligent slabs of cold wave and post-punk, Strange Behavior hints at a subtle change in direction for Jake and Kim Reid, whilst continuing to embrace the pyschedelic synthgaze upon which they built the SVI template.

True to form we begin with a rush of 80s-styled alternative pop. Album opener We Don't Belong fires a hammering drum loop over crackling guitars and lush keys, whilst Revival invokes the speed-fuelled highs of Automatic era Jesus & Mary Chain. It's breathless stuff and an early reminder of the potency the Reid's possess within their sonic arsenal.

If the pace seems unforgiving, some respite is given by the contemplative, Stay Asleep; an electro-pop gem that culminates in a three-minute climax of unflinching, warped electronica. Elsewhere, My Confession melds brooding acoustic guitar hooks with densely layered synths to create an atmospheric centrepiece, bettered only by the glorious darkwave of Rx and New Visions.

But what makes Strange Behavior truly stand out, is the feeling that this album has genuine moments of crossover accessibility. Station 4 recalls the halcyon days of classic New Order, whilst Night Trip, (featured below) is a remix-friendly slice of acidgaze, complete with stomping 4/4 beat and warehouse squelches.

Out now on Custom Made Music, Strange Behavior is an album of glorious contradictions. As retrospective as it is boundary-pushing and as dark as it is vibrant - it's a welcome addition to the Reids' blossoming cannon of music. Discover more by visting SVI's Bandcamp page.

Dead Leaf Echo - Kingmaker

New York's Dead Leaf Echo return with Kingmaker - a brand new track and the first single taken from forthcoming album, Thought and Language.

Boasting a fuller sound than in previous outings, Kingmaker is a glorious, picture-postcard slice of dream pop, forging Byrdsian guitar jangles with the blur and fuzz of contemporary shoegaze.

The recording was overseen by legendary 4AD producer, John Fryer (Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil) and offers a teasing glimpse of what fans can expect from an LP described as "nouveau new wave"... "a concept album that follows the conception and birth of a child and his discovery of thought and language".

Dubbed "One of the best live acts in the city" by Time Out NY, Dead Leaf Echo are touring extensively throughout March, showcasing new material at SXSW and the forthcoming MOVE Music Festival.