Singles for the week starting 25 June!

Deathline
Ten Of Clubs
(Self Release)
* * * *

The dark ‘n’ sleazy backstreets of Soho have historically been a place for miscreants to get up to devious bouts of mischief, but there doesn’t seem to have been much pop music about depicting this of late.
That is (as you’ve probably guessed) until now. Deathli’s fusion of smutty electronica, Suicide-esque atmospherics and post-punk vocals sound like the early days of Neil’s Children had they mastered the use of phasering, and this single is worth getting just for the brilliant remixes by The KVB and Dangerously Close (aka Muzz from post-punk veterans Artery), the latter of whom adds krautrock drums to ‘Ten Of Clubs’ in what could end up being a Cave Club hit.
Luke Mckenzie



Craft Spells
Gallery EP
(Captured Tracks)
* * * *

There’s a lot of love for nostalgia driven, ‘80s inflected indie-pop at the moment – though I can’t fathom why. It’s mostly dire, and the sooner we can stop ironically falling over it the better.
Craft Spells are one such band, and yet their ‘Gallery EP’ is so forlornly funky you can’t help but be taken aback and demanded into dance by its washy production and synth and guitar led pop nuggets.
That it comes across like a reverby mix between Brooklyn’s The Drums and melancholy shoegaze sensibilities probably has a lot to do with it tickling this old cynic’s sweet tooth.
Alex Nelson



Rebellious Jukebox
Killer On The Dancefloor
(G.M.D Records)
* * * *

Named after a Fall song and brought up on a diet of art rock, punk, goth and synth rock, Birmingham three-piece Rebellious Jukebox have a debut album almost completed. Before we get to that though, we have taster single ‘Killer On The Dance Floor’. A powerhouse of post punk, the single finds the band’s intricate drum work, austere synths, driving guitars and urgent vocals drawing obvious comparisons with Joy Division and more contemporary bands Editors and Interpol. Though common reference points – perhaps too common – these aren’t bad bands to be likened to however, and as an introduction to the album, this has left me hungry for more – job done!
Mark Cousens



Autopsy Boys
Rich Kids Playground
(Crackhouse Recordings)
* * *

Infused with the gonzo, speed-punk etiquette of the Seattle hardcore scene of the ‘80s, Autopsy Boys merge Dwarves-esque energy with the Oi punk of acts like the Exploited to create a furious little bundle of noise. In two minutes and twelve seconds it gets straight to the point – and has enough of a hook to give you cravings for more.
Lee Puddefoot