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Written by Marc Farr Monday, 22 September 2014 18:30

Lusciously produced and mixed, Black Leather Heart is a nice trip down electronic memory lane.

 

 

It seems everything old is…well, new-ish again. The same can be said for the remarkable sounds of the 1980s. If one gives a close listen to many of today’s newer artists and their material, it is almost impossible not to notice the influence of the ’70s and ’80s. Basically, in this new millennium, anything goes musically.

Coming to us from L.A., synth pop duo Night Club give us their newest EP, Black Leather Heart. While more on the dark side of the genre, Night Club—composed of Emily Kavanaugh and Mark Brooks—is a welcome return to classic electronic pop. This is a duo who knows who they are, and who pulls off their sound and style beautifully. A quaint cross of Nu Shooz and the Communards -duo style, even the cover tunes drip with delicious flavor.

Opening the EP is a fun version of “Need You Tonight,” the über hit by INXS. Spotlight tracks here? Honestly, the whole EP is hot. “She Wants to Play with Fire” is a melodic ride on electronic beats, “Not in Love” a lovely ballad that highlights Kavanaugh's voice, and “Cruel Devotion” a certain trip to the dance floor.

I love this EP; it’s a nice mix of that familiar ’80 s sound with a dark, modern-day edge. Lusciously produced and mixed, Black Leather Heart is a nice trip down electronic memory lane, while still staying relevant. If ’80s synth-pop is to your liking, grab a copy of this EP. B+ | Marc Farr