Long Blondes: Couples

Label: Rough Trade

These punks from England sure are tricky. When you think you’ve got their schtick down, they surprise by lowering a mirror ball to channel Blondie. Similarities with the legendary disco-punks don’t end here: The Long Blondes is also outfitted with an attractive, edgy female vocalist. But this isn’t a Blondie tribute band. Hailing from Sheffield, the same home of Cabaret Voltaire and Pulp, the quintet draws musical influence from the experimental pop scene pioneered in this northerly industrial town. First single “Century” has more in common with “Just Fascination” than with “One Way or Another.” Featuring sultry vocals, and a new-wave synth, this is lithe, danceable pop, appropriate for the slowly approaching warmer days. On “I Like the Boys,” pop sensibilities give way to short, urgent guitars, and lyrics comprising of non-sequitur declarations. While not exactly breaking new musical territory here, you will find much to like on Couples. (Carrie)