PERFORMANCE have been at the heart of the Manchester eletropop scene for some time, with their debut single 'Dotted Line' released back in 2003. Since then, they have been signed to Polydor records, and are now releasing their new single, 'Surrender', a bouncy, electro-pop-tastic homage to the Human League, and apparently New Order - but I think more The Killers, and Brandon Flowers.
It's littered with the idiosyncrasies typical of 80's electronica, more so than other similar bands around at the moment. I suspect that Polydor execs have thought, "Ok, we need to capitalise on the electro-pop scene thats going on right now. What were the most popular bands around in the 80s? Let me think...Hmmmm, I know, HUMAN LEAGUE!". The 'genius' idea of having a frontman who sounds just like The Killers (money spinner), but they also have the occasional female robotic-esque vocals, one blonde and one brunette, and to make it better, they're sisters... Quids in folks!
I don't want to come across as too cynical though, it's a great tune. All the elements are there, the melodramatic lyrics, pounding disco beats, oscillating bass-lines and swirling synths. And despite my pretentious and snobbish inclinations, I found myself repeatedly listening to Surrender, with stereo on full blast, dancing round my bedroom and singing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror. Its a classic dance-floor filler, and the more I listen to it the more I love it.
|
I'm not really convinced about the name though, but for more practical reasons than anything else. Try to Google "Performance", and you'll get nowhere, just a load of random information about local amateur dramatics and a bike shop.
It does reek slightly of "me-too-ism", and I'm sure the NME lot will probably wet their collective pants over Performance, but for once I'm in agreement with them (but not the pant wetting). In short, you could pick worse bands to emulate, and with a single that's as catchy and anthemic as "Mr Brightside" (The Killers), they can't lose.
So go out, get hold of this single, and dance your socks off.
|
