Strange Names - Strange Names EP

  by Andy Cassidy

published: 18 / 9 / 2013

Label: Strange Names
Format: CDS

intro

Enjoyable debut EP from New York and Minneapolis-based electronic act, Strange Names

Strange Names are Liam Benzvi of New York and Francis Jiminez from Minneapolis. The two have been playing shows together since they met at university in 2010. Their self-titled EP consists of four tracks of glistening electronica, all of which illustrate the duo’s gift for melody. Opening track (and surely a future single) ‘Potential Wife’ has chart-friendly hummability and a depth of craft which is unusual for such young artists in this genre. It’s an engaging and smart little slice of electro-pop, reminiscent of Phil Oakey and bursting with vitality and enthusiasm. Of the four tracks, my personal favourite is ‘Luxury Child’. The opening guitar, which is processed to sound almost like a mobile ringtone, is an infectious focal point which holds the song together and hooks the listener. Vocally, 'Luxury Child' showcases the duo’s gift for harmonies and arrangement, and the vocal performance adds a humanity to the track which can often be overlooked in this type of piece. If the four tracks on this EP are indicative of the remainder of the pair’s material, their debut album will be something to look forward to. All in all, this EP was fifteen minutes of hugely enjoyable and engaging music from a truly gifted duo.

Track Listing:-

Band Links:-