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Imagine four randomly-selected members of various 1980s New Wave synthesizer bands (Depeche Mode, New Order, Human League, you name it) stuffed in a time machine with their instruments and brought to the present day, given some current technology to fiddle with, and let loose in the studio, and you'll have a pretty good idea of the sound of Pleasurecraft, the backward-gazing Seattle electro-pop four-piece responsible for this self-released full-length CD. Their retro/contemporary sound has potential to appeal to both the "I Love the 80s" nostalgia audience and kids who love The Postal Service--the "RIYL" on the one-sheet for this included both Duran Duran and The Notwist, though perhaps that's casting the electro-pop net a bit too wide. To my ears they lean maybe 75% toward the retro. It's kind of a fun sound, and some of the songs are fairly lively, particularly the New Order-esque guitar-driven tracks; however, some of the other tunes sounded a bit listless to me and I thought they could use stronger vocals. It's a fairly pleasant and promising release overall; I just feel like they need something--more consistently interesting and memorable songwriting, a little extra sparkle--to take this beyond being an exercise in style or to elevate it beyond being pastiche.
As a side note, a highlight of this release is the nifty Polaroid-based conceptual cover art by local designer and I Heart Rummage co-organizer Sam Trout. (mike.01.05)
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