New CD Reviews

So80s presents ZTT

Various

Sound Colours

To commemorate the 30^th anniversary of ZTT records German DJ Duo Blank and Jones have remixed the works of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Art of Noise and Propaganda. Using only the original studio recordings and no new sounds they have created new versions of the classic tracks. FGTH’s ‘The Power of Love’ is transformed into an epic 12 minute opus and there are sensational new versions of ‘Two Tribes’, ‘Welcome to the Pleasure Dome’ and a gorgeous version of The Art of Noise’s ‘Moments in Love’. Slip back to the 80’s – Graeme Watson

Seahawks

Paradise Freaks

Ocean Moon

This album is filled with trippy disco tunes and super chilled tracks It is much more song based than some of the band’s previous psychedelic offerings. Highlights are the sweet opener ‘Rainbow Sun’, the super chilled ‘Safe Harbour’ which filled with guitars and saxophones, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s classic ‘Albatross’, ‘Sky Is You’ is a danceable tune with deep dub vocals, while the closing track ‘Islands’ is 100% chilled. The iTunes release has two excellent bonus tracks too. – Graeme Watson

Toy

Join the Dots

Heavenly

The second album from British band Toy is a great moody indie rock record. Kicking off with ‘Conductor’ a pumping industrial instrumental, the sweet harmonies arrive on the second track ‘You Won’t Be The Same’. Featuring jangly guitars and solid drums Toy recall classic indie bands of the ‘80s. ‘Left to Wonder’ adds some synthesizers, reminiscent of Joy Division’s sound while the album closer ‘Fall Out of Love’ is another great instrumental. – Graeme Watson