Sunday 8 August 2010

Viking Dress

I had quite a lot to drink yesterday afternoon and evening, so it's nice to be able to listen to something that doesn't make me think my head's about to explode. Not that I listen to Dr and the Crippens too much these days, you understand...

The new Viking Dress ep, 'Summarize' is such a record. Equal parts Felt, St Etienne and Cocteau Twins, but a definite langurous French air, these six songs are perfect for a hungover Sunday afternoon laid on your back staring at the ceiling.

'Lalie's Game' in particular is gorgeously affecting. A simple guitar phrase, with some shoegazey atmospherics and a kind of Jane Birkin backing vocal; these are things that I like, and this song has them over and over.

'Sophisticated pop' is an over-used phrase, and it doesn't and shouldn't mean Neil bloody Hannon. But if we're going to use it, then Viking Dress fit perfectly, and the 'Summarize' ep is most definitely in the vanguard of suave.

Should you too have a crippling hangover, you can order this record from the band's myspace page. And even if you don't, waste three or four minutes at work tomorrow and order it then.

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