London's TEMPOSHARK drew decisive blood with debut single "Neon Question Mark": an intelligent, synth-driven tune that proved there's a tad more to this here '80s revival lark than simply The Bravery vs. The Killers and all that malarkey.
Follow-up "Invisible Ink", though, is much better on its' own terms. Already recognised as something of a showstopper at the band's gigs, it's an effectively slow, moody and enigmatic set-piece with pleadingly smoky vocals from Rob Diament, and with its' defiant "Don't leave the world without making them think" lyrical motif falls well within the bounds of 'memorable'.
Double-A blast "Little White Lie", meanwhile, is faster, blacker and edgier than "Invisible Ink" and almost as good. Lyrically, it's dangerous gear fuelled with clandestine desire and when Diament sings another notable kiss-off line ("A little white lie never hurt anyone"), you're more than aware he speaks with a forked tongue.
The single gets bumped up to 'maxi' single status thanks to both the inevitable remix and a would-be instrumental, but refreshingly, both of these require you to loiter with intent longer than is usually the case. "Little White Lie" gets a dancefloor renovation courtesy of the intriguing Cursor Miner, and renamed the "Acid Stomp" remix it plumbs the depths of disco lasciviousness. It's enough to retain your attention on the dancefloor, while the closing "Snow" is a classy, soundtrack-orbiting (near)instrumental. It's still electro-synthy fare, but with a seriously widescreen aspiration.
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Temposhark, then, are beginning to sound like a sharp, stylish proposition. They have intelligence, panache and enigma on their side and - if they can keep this form up - could possibly provoke a feeding frenzy come album time.
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